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LGHL You’re Nuts: Which 2023 men’s basketball commit will be the most impactful right away?
- News
- 0 Replies
You’re Nuts: Which 2023 men’s basketball commit will be the most impactful right away?
Connor Lemons via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
It’s not that we’re thinking about next year already but.... we are thinking about next year.
As the Ohio State men’s basketball team continues to spiral into the depths of despair, we are beginning to look down the road to next season, when the No. 6 recruiting class in the nation will join the program. Assuming no transfer shenanigans, Ohio State will add three four-star recruits and one three-star recruit to the program in the summer — on top of returnees Roddy Gayle, Bruce Thornton, and Felix Okpara, who were all four-star recruits as well.
But first, we must recap what we debated last week.
Last week, Connor and Justin debated which Big Ten team has been the biggest surprise — for better or for worse. Justin picked the Purdue Boilermakers, who sit at 22-1 overall, are the consensus No. 1 team in the country, and will be crowned Big Ten champions in roughly five weeks. Connor went with Ohio State, who was picked to finish fifth or sixth in the conference and is currently in 12th.
48% of the people sided with Justin, 35% of the people sided with Connor, and the remaining 17% went with “a different team.” Justin wins again.
Justin- 39
As stated up top, we are discussing the 2023 recruiting class. Ohio State will need a few of their freshmen to be game-changers right away. Which one will do the most, the quickest?
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24406054/scotty1.JPG)
Photo courtesy of Jim Hawkins - 247Sports
I’ve got a secret to share with you about this Ohio State program that you may not know. Bring it in, I don’t want anyone else to hear.
This team is horrid on the defensive end.
This season, Ohio State is No. 84 in defensive efficiency. Last season they were No. 111. The year before that they were No. 82. For three straight years, this team has not been able to guard. They haven’t been able to guard the ball on the perimeter, they haven’t been able to guard the post. They haven’t been able to jump passing lanes and be disruptive. They haven’t been able to get back and guard in transition. All-around, just poo poo on defense.
But listen, Scotty Middleton is going to help with a lot of that.
Scotty is a 6-foot-6, 185-pound small forward who plays for Sunrise Christian Academy in Wichita, Kansas. He’s regarded as one of the best and most versatile wings in the 2023 recruiting class, and can fill it up on offense too!
If you want to know Scotty a little better, he joined Land-Grant Holy Land’s college basketball podcast, “Bucketheads” back in August to talk about his decision to commit to Ohio State, what he likes about the program, and his former teammate, Gradey Dick.
Middleton will put on a few pounds between now and November, but at 6-foot-6 he can play any position one through four and guard all those positions. He takes pride in his defense especially, and that is an area that Ohio State circled when recruiting him. He may not start for the Buckeyes right away, but he’ll be someone that Chris Holtmann can throw in at any point to guard any player other than the center.
The Buckeyes have consistently been an efficient, well-oiled offense. But lately the defense has lagged quite a bit, and is in need of reinforcements. I think that Middleton will be the best all-around defender Ohio State has had since Luther Muhammad, and Aaron Craft before them. Craft, Muhammad, and Middleton may be the best three Ohio State defenders of the past 15 years when all is said and done.
Alright, hear me out. There is this notion on the interwebs that Bronny James is not actually that good at basketball, and he only gets the recognition because he is LeBron’s kid. This is inaccurate. Bronny can ball.
I also very much recognize he may never play for Ohio State. If he doesn’t, my answer to this question is Taison Chatman. But assuming Bronny is a Buckeye, and not a Duck or a Trojan, let’s talk about it.
James is ranked as the 34th overall recruit in the 2023 class, the 11th ranked combo guard and the 11th ranked player in the great high school hoops state of California. He is a high four-star recruit. He would be the top recruit in the already fantastic Buckeyes 2023 class.
See for yourself.
Bronny is also a McDonald’s All-American. The last McDonald’s All-American that went on to play for the Buckeyes was D’Angelo Russell in 2014, who went on to be a First Team All-Big Ten selection, the second pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, and was a one and done.
There is also this idea that all Bronny would bring to Ohio State is unwanted attention. I am not even positive what that means. People who think LeBron would be at every game have to remember that he is still going to be playing in the NBA next season. He is busy — he would make it to some games I’m sure, but he would not be courtside at 30 games.
Plus, Bronny would put some people in the seats, which is never a bad thing. I am pro Bronny to Ohio State, as everyone should be.
This is the evaluation from 247Sports’ Eric Bossi after his junior season:
“Slowly but surely, Bronny James is starting to come into his own as a player on a loaded Sierra Canyon team,” Bossi said. “James’ 6-foot-3 frame has filled out nicely and he’s added some pop on drives to the rim through traffic or in transition. One of his strengths is his ability to make catch and shoot jump shots and he is a fantastic passer. James gives good effort on the defensive end where he plays with toughness and versatility. There are times where he can be a bit passive on the offensive end, but overall he has made positive strides as a junior.”
Continue reading...
Connor Lemons via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
It’s not that we’re thinking about next year already but.... we are thinking about next year.
As the Ohio State men’s basketball team continues to spiral into the depths of despair, we are beginning to look down the road to next season, when the No. 6 recruiting class in the nation will join the program. Assuming no transfer shenanigans, Ohio State will add three four-star recruits and one three-star recruit to the program in the summer — on top of returnees Roddy Gayle, Bruce Thornton, and Felix Okpara, who were all four-star recruits as well.
But first, we must recap what we debated last week.
Last week, Connor and Justin debated which Big Ten team has been the biggest surprise — for better or for worse. Justin picked the Purdue Boilermakers, who sit at 22-1 overall, are the consensus No. 1 team in the country, and will be crowned Big Ten champions in roughly five weeks. Connor went with Ohio State, who was picked to finish fifth or sixth in the conference and is currently in 12th.
48% of the people sided with Justin, 35% of the people sided with Connor, and the remaining 17% went with “a different team.” Justin wins again.
After 86 weeks:
Justin- 39
Connor- 34
Other- 9
(There have been four ties)
As stated up top, we are discussing the 2023 recruiting class. Ohio State will need a few of their freshmen to be game-changers right away. Which one will do the most, the quickest?
Today’s question: Which 2023 commit will be the most impactful right away?
Connor: Scotty Middleton
Photo courtesy of Jim Hawkins - 247Sports
I’ve got a secret to share with you about this Ohio State program that you may not know. Bring it in, I don’t want anyone else to hear.
This team is horrid on the defensive end.
This season, Ohio State is No. 84 in defensive efficiency. Last season they were No. 111. The year before that they were No. 82. For three straight years, this team has not been able to guard. They haven’t been able to guard the ball on the perimeter, they haven’t been able to guard the post. They haven’t been able to jump passing lanes and be disruptive. They haven’t been able to get back and guard in transition. All-around, just poo poo on defense.
But listen, Scotty Middleton is going to help with a lot of that.
Scotty is a 6-foot-6, 185-pound small forward who plays for Sunrise Christian Academy in Wichita, Kansas. He’s regarded as one of the best and most versatile wings in the 2023 recruiting class, and can fill it up on offense too!
If you want to know Scotty a little better, he joined Land-Grant Holy Land’s college basketball podcast, “Bucketheads” back in August to talk about his decision to commit to Ohio State, what he likes about the program, and his former teammate, Gradey Dick.
Middleton will put on a few pounds between now and November, but at 6-foot-6 he can play any position one through four and guard all those positions. He takes pride in his defense especially, and that is an area that Ohio State circled when recruiting him. He may not start for the Buckeyes right away, but he’ll be someone that Chris Holtmann can throw in at any point to guard any player other than the center.
The Buckeyes have consistently been an efficient, well-oiled offense. But lately the defense has lagged quite a bit, and is in need of reinforcements. I think that Middleton will be the best all-around defender Ohio State has had since Luther Muhammad, and Aaron Craft before them. Craft, Muhammad, and Middleton may be the best three Ohio State defenders of the past 15 years when all is said and done.
Justin: Bronny James
Alright, hear me out. There is this notion on the interwebs that Bronny James is not actually that good at basketball, and he only gets the recognition because he is LeBron’s kid. This is inaccurate. Bronny can ball.
I also very much recognize he may never play for Ohio State. If he doesn’t, my answer to this question is Taison Chatman. But assuming Bronny is a Buckeye, and not a Duck or a Trojan, let’s talk about it.
James is ranked as the 34th overall recruit in the 2023 class, the 11th ranked combo guard and the 11th ranked player in the great high school hoops state of California. He is a high four-star recruit. He would be the top recruit in the already fantastic Buckeyes 2023 class.
See for yourself.
Bronny is also a McDonald’s All-American. The last McDonald’s All-American that went on to play for the Buckeyes was D’Angelo Russell in 2014, who went on to be a First Team All-Big Ten selection, the second pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, and was a one and done.
There is also this idea that all Bronny would bring to Ohio State is unwanted attention. I am not even positive what that means. People who think LeBron would be at every game have to remember that he is still going to be playing in the NBA next season. He is busy — he would make it to some games I’m sure, but he would not be courtside at 30 games.
Plus, Bronny would put some people in the seats, which is never a bad thing. I am pro Bronny to Ohio State, as everyone should be.
This is the evaluation from 247Sports’ Eric Bossi after his junior season:
“Slowly but surely, Bronny James is starting to come into his own as a player on a loaded Sierra Canyon team,” Bossi said. “James’ 6-foot-3 frame has filled out nicely and he’s added some pop on drives to the rim through traffic or in transition. One of his strengths is his ability to make catch and shoot jump shots and he is a fantastic passer. James gives good effort on the defensive end where he plays with toughness and versatility. There are times where he can be a bit passive on the offensive end, but overall he has made positive strides as a junior.”
Continue reading...
2025 TX OL Michael Fasusi (Oklahoma Signee)
- By MD Buckeye
- Football Recruiting
- 10 Replies
247 Profile
On3 Profile
Rivals Profile
HUDL Highlights
Lewisville (TX)
Ht: 6'6"
Wt: 290 lbs
Class: 2025 (High School)
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A name to watch, per Bill Greene. Recently offered by Texas, Penn State & aTm.
On3 Profile
Rivals Profile
HUDL Highlights
Lewisville (TX)
Ht: 6'6"
Wt: 290 lbs
Class: 2025 (High School)
Login to view embedded media
A name to watch, per Bill Greene. Recently offered by Texas, Penn State & aTm.
LGHL Why is this News? All the articles and tweets Buckeye fans need for February 3, 2023
- News
- 0 Replies
Why is this News? All the articles and tweets Buckeye fans need for February 3, 2023
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
All the Buckeye news thats fit to re-print.
Look, we get it. Your days are busy and you don’t have time to read all of the stories and tweets from the three dozen websites dedicated to covering Ohio State athletics, or the 237 Buckeye beat writers churning out hot takes and #content on a daily basis. But that’s ok, that’s what your friends at Land-Grant Holy Land are here for.
Monday through Friday, we’ll be collecting all of the articles, tweets, features, interviews, videos, podcasts, memes, photos, and whatever else we stumble across on the interwebz and putting them in our daily “Why is this News?” article. That way, you’ll have a one-stop shop for all of the most important Buckeye news, jokes, and analysis.
You’re welcome!
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
Key Takeaways as Corey Dennis evaluates quarterback room, competition (paywall)
Austin Ward, Dotting the Eyes
Key takeaways from Justin Frye on revamped Ohio State offensive line (paywall)
Bill Landis, Dotting the Eyes
Ohio State’s Chip Trayanum to remain at running back; Tony Alford excited to have him
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts
Roster Reset: Examining Buckeyes wide receivers as stars return for encore (paywall)
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row
How Brian Hartline’s arrival and Ryan Day’s epiphany changed Ohio State’s coaching structure
Nathan Baird, cleveland.com
I’m not saying he’s the G.O.A.T., but I’m not not saying he’s the G.O.A.T.:
Buckeyes need to plug several holes on their offensive line
Bill Rabinowitz, The Columbus Dispatch
Returning O-Line starters Donovan Jackson, Matthew Jones remaining at guard for now (paywall)
Andy Backstrom, Lettermen Row
Starting Spots at Tackle, Center up for Grabs on Ohio State’s Offensive Line Entering Spring
Dan Hope, Eleven Warriors
Ohio State football’s veteran offensive line problem may have a second-year solution
Nathan Baird, cleveland.com
Ohio State coaches share their thoughts on Buckeyes’ 6 incoming transfers (paywall)
Cameron Teague Robinson, The Athletic
Meh, could be better, could be worse:
How will C.J. Hicks and Ohio State football’s young linebackers get a look behind veteran starters?
Nathan Baird, cleveland.com
Gene Smith ‘not interested’ in Big Ten commissioner job
Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch
Ohio State and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad month of January
Brett Ludwiczak, Land-Grant Holy Land
Michigan fans didn’t want him to start, now they claim the G.O.A.T: Tom Brady
Chris Renne, Land-Grant Holy Land
Despite spirited comeback, Ohio State falls to Wisconsin at home, 65-60
Connor Lemons, Land-Grant Holy Land
Ohio State loses Chris Holtmann to ejection, then game to Wisconsin
Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch
Watch OSU’s Chris Holtmann discuss ejection
Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch
If you asked this question, you should be barred from all press conferences in the future:
Column: Chris Holtmann needs to coach for his job over the next four weeks
Matt Tamanini, Land-Grant Holy Land
Chris Holtmann ‘is our coach of the future,” OSU AD Gene Smith says
Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch
Ohio State’s future is bright as the freshman continues to show their potential
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts
This seems bad:
This season is Taylor Mikesell’s most impressive yet
Thomas Costello, Land-Grsnt Holy Land
Wrestling Moore, Snyder Win Gold, McKenna Silver at Zagreb Open
Ohio State Athletics
Men’s Swimming & Diving Named CSCAA Scholar All-America Teams
Ohio State Athletics
He said what he said, and he’s not wrong:
Continue reading...
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
All the Buckeye news thats fit to re-print.
Look, we get it. Your days are busy and you don’t have time to read all of the stories and tweets from the three dozen websites dedicated to covering Ohio State athletics, or the 237 Buckeye beat writers churning out hot takes and #content on a daily basis. But that’s ok, that’s what your friends at Land-Grant Holy Land are here for.
Monday through Friday, we’ll be collecting all of the articles, tweets, features, interviews, videos, podcasts, memes, photos, and whatever else we stumble across on the interwebz and putting them in our daily “Why is this News?” article. That way, you’ll have a one-stop shop for all of the most important Buckeye news, jokes, and analysis.
You’re welcome!
For your Earholes...
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
On the Gridiron
Key Takeaways as Corey Dennis evaluates quarterback room, competition (paywall)
Austin Ward, Dotting the Eyes
Key takeaways from Justin Frye on revamped Ohio State offensive line (paywall)
Bill Landis, Dotting the Eyes
Ohio State’s Chip Trayanum to remain at running back; Tony Alford excited to have him
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts
Roster Reset: Examining Buckeyes wide receivers as stars return for encore (paywall)
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row
How Brian Hartline’s arrival and Ryan Day’s epiphany changed Ohio State’s coaching structure
Nathan Baird, cleveland.com
I’m not saying he’s the G.O.A.T., but I’m not not saying he’s the G.O.A.T.:
Buckeyes need to plug several holes on their offensive line
Bill Rabinowitz, The Columbus Dispatch
Returning O-Line starters Donovan Jackson, Matthew Jones remaining at guard for now (paywall)
Andy Backstrom, Lettermen Row
Starting Spots at Tackle, Center up for Grabs on Ohio State’s Offensive Line Entering Spring
Dan Hope, Eleven Warriors
Ohio State football’s veteran offensive line problem may have a second-year solution
Nathan Baird, cleveland.com
Ohio State coaches share their thoughts on Buckeyes’ 6 incoming transfers (paywall)
Cameron Teague Robinson, The Athletic
Meh, could be better, could be worse:
How will C.J. Hicks and Ohio State football’s young linebackers get a look behind veteran starters?
Nathan Baird, cleveland.com
Gene Smith ‘not interested’ in Big Ten commissioner job
Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch
Ohio State and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad month of January
Brett Ludwiczak, Land-Grant Holy Land
Michigan fans didn’t want him to start, now they claim the G.O.A.T: Tom Brady
Chris Renne, Land-Grant Holy Land
On the Hardwood
Despite spirited comeback, Ohio State falls to Wisconsin at home, 65-60
Connor Lemons, Land-Grant Holy Land
Ohio State loses Chris Holtmann to ejection, then game to Wisconsin
Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch
Watch OSU’s Chris Holtmann discuss ejection
Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch
If you asked this question, you should be barred from all press conferences in the future:
Column: Chris Holtmann needs to coach for his job over the next four weeks
Matt Tamanini, Land-Grant Holy Land
Chris Holtmann ‘is our coach of the future,” OSU AD Gene Smith says
Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch
Ohio State’s future is bright as the freshman continues to show their potential
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts
This seems bad:
This season is Taylor Mikesell’s most impressive yet
Thomas Costello, Land-Grsnt Holy Land
Outside the Shoe and Schott
Wrestling Moore, Snyder Win Gold, McKenna Silver at Zagreb Open
Ohio State Athletics
Men’s Swimming & Diving Named CSCAA Scholar All-America Teams
Ohio State Athletics
And now for something completely different...
He said what he said, and he’s not wrong:
Continue reading...
LGHL Despite spirited comeback, Ohio State falls to Wisconsin at home, 65-60
- News
- 0 Replies
Despite spirited comeback, Ohio State falls to Wisconsin at home, 65-60
Connor Lemons via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Welp, at least they made it interesting down the stretch,
Certainly, you’ve heard the phrase “an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object.” In sports it typically describes two teams — or players — at the top of their game, rolling on all cylinders, getting ready to collide.
Thursday night’s game between the Buckeyes (11-11, 3-8) and Badgers (13-8, 5-6) is whatever you’d call the exact opposite of that. Ohio State and Wisconsin have both bottomed out, losing 13 of their last 15 games combined. Both teams needed a win in the worst way Thursday night, yet the exact same phrase has been used for both over the past three weeks and it hasn’t changed anything for either!
Whether you consider Wisconsin the “unstoppable force” or the “immovable object” is up to you, but Greg Gard’s Badgers were able to snag a big road win Thursday night in Columbus, 65-60.
After a tough game at Indiana, Justice Sueing went back to the bench for Ohio State. In his place was Isaac Likekele, as well as Bruce Thornton, Sean McNeil, Brice Sensabaugh, and Zed Key. Wisconsin went with a starting five of Chuckie Hepburn, Connor Essegian, Max Klesmit, Tyler Wahl, and Steven Crowl down low.
The Badgers jumped out to a quick 8-0 lead just 90 seconds into the game, courtesy of three-pointers from Essegian and Klesmit, as well as an Essegian layup. After Klesmit’s three from just in front of the bench dropped to make it 8-0, the junior transfer from Wofford turned and talked to Ohio State’s bench. Chris Holtmann immediately called timeout, using his first less than two minutes into the game. The Buckeyes bounced back immediately after the timeout, going on an 8-0 run to tie the game over the next 1:20. Sensabaugh scored all eight points on just three shots, naturally, and the teams went into the first media timeout tied 8-8.
The Badgers broke open a 10-point lead by the under-eight timeout, 26-16. Ohio State aided the Badgers by turning the ball over on four-consecutive possessions, three of which came after Wisconsin did not score at their end. Crowl was a big problem for the Buckeyes in the first half especially, nearly reaching his season average of 12 points after 13 minutes of play.
Following some dramatics in the final seconds of the first half, Wisconsin went to the halftime locker room up 43-27 — the second consecutive game Ohio State trailed by 16 at halftime. Down 10 points with a chance to make it a single-digit deficit in the closing seconds, Chris Holtmann was ejected after Sueing was called for an offensive foul on Wahl. Wahl began to fall before the contact came, and the Ohio State bench wanted a block — or a flop — called. Wisconsin turned that foul call into a six-point possession (four free throws and a bucket) and went to the halftime break up 16.
The freshman Essegian led Wisconsin with 14 first-half points, four of which were from the technical free throws. Sensabaugh had 11 first-half points for the Buckeyes and was their only double-digit scorer in the opening stanza.
Ohio State cut Wisconsin’s lead to 52-41 with 12 minutes remaining, but Carter Gilmore scored through contact on the ensuing possession. The junior big man was fouled by Roddy Gayle as well but missed the free throw to keep the score at 54-41 Wisconsin.
The Buckeyes got within 10 once more with just under nine minutes to go, but Wisconsin had an answer in the form of another Klesmit three-burger to make it a 13 point game yet again. However, the Buckeyes went on a late 9-0 run starting at the 6:09 mark, getting back within six points of the Badgers at one point, 62-56.
However, the spirited comeback was not enough, and this team simply does not play good enough defense to come back from a 16-point deficit. Ohio State ultimately fell, 65-60.
If you weren’t around tonight to see Ohio State lose yet another Big Ten contest, here are a few of the key plays and runs that helped lead Wisconsin to their fifth win in the B1G:
The Badgers came out of the locker room and immediately popped Ohio State in the mouth, scoring eight-straight points over the first 90 seconds, forcing Ohio State to take a timeout. After Klesmit hit a three-pointer right in front of Chris Holtmann to make it 8-0, the junior guard turned around and politely told the Buckeye bench what he’d just done. Holtmann called his first timeout of the game right away.
After the Ohio State timeout, freshman star Brice Sensabaugh went on an 8-0 run of his own to tie the game. He hit back-to-back three-pointers and followed them up with a contested baseline floater over the head of Klesmit to tie things at eight-all going into the first media timeout. Sensabaugh scored eight points in exactly 80 seconds.
Trailing 21-16 with just under 11 minutes remaining in the first half, Klesmit missed a three, and Ohio State secured the rebound. At the other end, Bruce Thornton missed a three-pointer, but Sueing was able to secure the long offensive rebound. The ball worked its way to Key, but he traveled.
Wisconsin’s Crowl scored on the ensuing possession to make it 23-16, but Sueing lost the ball out of bounds for a turnover on the next possession — Ohio State’s second-straight turnover.
Klesmit missed a three-pointer on the following Wisconsin possession, and Ohio State turned the ball over again — this time it was Tanner Holden who lost the ball as he tried to get going downhill towards the right side of the basket.
Hepburn missed a layup on Wisconsin’s next possession, but Sueing traveled in a crowd of Badgers — Ohio State’s fourth consecutive turnover. Essegian knocked down another three-pointer on the next Wisconsin turnover, making it 26-16 Badgers with 7:41 remaining in the half.
After Wisconsin stretched their lead to 33-23, Bruce Thornton missed a long three but was able to grab his own rebound. After he grabbed the board, a Brutus beach ball that was being smacked around behind the basket by students made its way onto the court, halting play. Security took the ball away and both teams went to their benches with the Badgers up 10.
Moments after Hepburn gave Wisconsin a 30-18 lead on a floater, Hepburn came down the court and drilled a three from the left wing to give the Badgers a 33-18 lead — their biggest of the game to that point with 4:06 remaining.
Down 37-27 and holding for the final possession of the half, Likekele missed a layup but Sueing was able to corral the rebound. Sueing tried to back down Wahl in the post to score before the buzzer but was whistled for an offensive foul on what appeared to be a clear flop by Wahl.
For the second-straight game, Holtmann lost his mind at the officials and was issued a double-technical foul. Holtmann was ejected from the game, and Wisconsin hit all four free throws earned from the two technicals. Wisconsin then scored a bucket on a Chuckie Hepburn floater at the buzzer to make it 43-27 Badgers at the break.
Both the Badgers and the officiating crew ran to the tunnel with a chorus of boos reigning down on them from the crowd. Wisconsin, however, was all smiles, knowing this game was all but wrapped up.
With 8:59 remaining in the game, Key grabbed Likekele’s missed layup and scored to get the Buckeyes back within 10 points, 57-47. It was the closest they’d been in over 11 minutes, but Klesmit answered with a triple at the other end to put the Badgers back in front again, 60-47.
After falling behind by 15 points with just over six minutes remaining, the Buckeyes went on a quick 9-0 run without Sensabaugh, who fouled out of the game with 9:20 remaining. McNeil, Key, Thornton, and Felix Okpara all scored during the run, which ignited a crowd that was already jeering loudly at the officiating crew from how the first half of the game ended.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24405881/porky.gif)
Ohio State (11-11, 3-8) heads north to take on the Michigan Wolverines (12-10, 6-5) this weekend in Ann Arbor. Heading into Thursday night’s game against Northwestern, the Wolverines had lost three of their last four and were two games ahead of Ohio State in the Big Ten standings. The Buckeyes’ showdown in Ann Arbor is set to tip off at 1 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on CBS.
Continue reading...
Connor Lemons via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Welp, at least they made it interesting down the stretch,
Certainly, you’ve heard the phrase “an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object.” In sports it typically describes two teams — or players — at the top of their game, rolling on all cylinders, getting ready to collide.
Thursday night’s game between the Buckeyes (11-11, 3-8) and Badgers (13-8, 5-6) is whatever you’d call the exact opposite of that. Ohio State and Wisconsin have both bottomed out, losing 13 of their last 15 games combined. Both teams needed a win in the worst way Thursday night, yet the exact same phrase has been used for both over the past three weeks and it hasn’t changed anything for either!
Whether you consider Wisconsin the “unstoppable force” or the “immovable object” is up to you, but Greg Gard’s Badgers were able to snag a big road win Thursday night in Columbus, 65-60.
After a tough game at Indiana, Justice Sueing went back to the bench for Ohio State. In his place was Isaac Likekele, as well as Bruce Thornton, Sean McNeil, Brice Sensabaugh, and Zed Key. Wisconsin went with a starting five of Chuckie Hepburn, Connor Essegian, Max Klesmit, Tyler Wahl, and Steven Crowl down low.
The Badgers jumped out to a quick 8-0 lead just 90 seconds into the game, courtesy of three-pointers from Essegian and Klesmit, as well as an Essegian layup. After Klesmit’s three from just in front of the bench dropped to make it 8-0, the junior transfer from Wofford turned and talked to Ohio State’s bench. Chris Holtmann immediately called timeout, using his first less than two minutes into the game. The Buckeyes bounced back immediately after the timeout, going on an 8-0 run to tie the game over the next 1:20. Sensabaugh scored all eight points on just three shots, naturally, and the teams went into the first media timeout tied 8-8.
The Badgers broke open a 10-point lead by the under-eight timeout, 26-16. Ohio State aided the Badgers by turning the ball over on four-consecutive possessions, three of which came after Wisconsin did not score at their end. Crowl was a big problem for the Buckeyes in the first half especially, nearly reaching his season average of 12 points after 13 minutes of play.
Following some dramatics in the final seconds of the first half, Wisconsin went to the halftime locker room up 43-27 — the second consecutive game Ohio State trailed by 16 at halftime. Down 10 points with a chance to make it a single-digit deficit in the closing seconds, Chris Holtmann was ejected after Sueing was called for an offensive foul on Wahl. Wahl began to fall before the contact came, and the Ohio State bench wanted a block — or a flop — called. Wisconsin turned that foul call into a six-point possession (four free throws and a bucket) and went to the halftime break up 16.
The freshman Essegian led Wisconsin with 14 first-half points, four of which were from the technical free throws. Sensabaugh had 11 first-half points for the Buckeyes and was their only double-digit scorer in the opening stanza.
Ohio State cut Wisconsin’s lead to 52-41 with 12 minutes remaining, but Carter Gilmore scored through contact on the ensuing possession. The junior big man was fouled by Roddy Gayle as well but missed the free throw to keep the score at 54-41 Wisconsin.
The Buckeyes got within 10 once more with just under nine minutes to go, but Wisconsin had an answer in the form of another Klesmit three-burger to make it a 13 point game yet again. However, the Buckeyes went on a late 9-0 run starting at the 6:09 mark, getting back within six points of the Badgers at one point, 62-56.
However, the spirited comeback was not enough, and this team simply does not play good enough defense to come back from a 16-point deficit. Ohio State ultimately fell, 65-60.
If you weren’t around tonight to see Ohio State lose yet another Big Ten contest, here are a few of the key plays and runs that helped lead Wisconsin to their fifth win in the B1G:
Wisconsin jumps out early, Klesmit starts talking
The Badgers came out of the locker room and immediately popped Ohio State in the mouth, scoring eight-straight points over the first 90 seconds, forcing Ohio State to take a timeout. After Klesmit hit a three-pointer right in front of Chris Holtmann to make it 8-0, the junior guard turned around and politely told the Buckeye bench what he’d just done. Holtmann called his first timeout of the game right away.
Sensabaugh goes on a quick 8-0 run
After the Ohio State timeout, freshman star Brice Sensabaugh went on an 8-0 run of his own to tie the game. He hit back-to-back three-pointers and followed them up with a contested baseline floater over the head of Klesmit to tie things at eight-all going into the first media timeout. Sensabaugh scored eight points in exactly 80 seconds.
Four-consecutive turnovers for the Buckeyes — a record?
Trailing 21-16 with just under 11 minutes remaining in the first half, Klesmit missed a three, and Ohio State secured the rebound. At the other end, Bruce Thornton missed a three-pointer, but Sueing was able to secure the long offensive rebound. The ball worked its way to Key, but he traveled.
Wisconsin’s Crowl scored on the ensuing possession to make it 23-16, but Sueing lost the ball out of bounds for a turnover on the next possession — Ohio State’s second-straight turnover.
Klesmit missed a three-pointer on the following Wisconsin possession, and Ohio State turned the ball over again — this time it was Tanner Holden who lost the ball as he tried to get going downhill towards the right side of the basket.
Hepburn missed a layup on Wisconsin’s next possession, but Sueing traveled in a crowd of Badgers — Ohio State’s fourth consecutive turnover. Essegian knocked down another three-pointer on the next Wisconsin turnover, making it 26-16 Badgers with 7:41 remaining in the half.
Let’s go to the beach, beach
After Wisconsin stretched their lead to 33-23, Bruce Thornton missed a long three but was able to grab his own rebound. After he grabbed the board, a Brutus beach ball that was being smacked around behind the basket by students made its way onto the court, halting play. Security took the ball away and both teams went to their benches with the Badgers up 10.
Hepburn gives Wisconsin a 15-point lead
Moments after Hepburn gave Wisconsin a 30-18 lead on a floater, Hepburn came down the court and drilled a three from the left wing to give the Badgers a 33-18 lead — their biggest of the game to that point with 4:06 remaining.
Holtmann ejected following Sueing’s offensive foul
Down 37-27 and holding for the final possession of the half, Likekele missed a layup but Sueing was able to corral the rebound. Sueing tried to back down Wahl in the post to score before the buzzer but was whistled for an offensive foul on what appeared to be a clear flop by Wahl.
For the second-straight game, Holtmann lost his mind at the officials and was issued a double-technical foul. Holtmann was ejected from the game, and Wisconsin hit all four free throws earned from the two technicals. Wisconsin then scored a bucket on a Chuckie Hepburn floater at the buzzer to make it 43-27 Badgers at the break.
Both the Badgers and the officiating crew ran to the tunnel with a chorus of boos reigning down on them from the crowd. Wisconsin, however, was all smiles, knowing this game was all but wrapped up.
Ohio State gets back within 10 points for 21 seconds
With 8:59 remaining in the game, Key grabbed Likekele’s missed layup and scored to get the Buckeyes back within 10 points, 57-47. It was the closest they’d been in over 11 minutes, but Klesmit answered with a triple at the other end to put the Badgers back in front again, 60-47.
Buckeyes go on 9-0 run, cut deficit to six points
After falling behind by 15 points with just over six minutes remaining, the Buckeyes went on a quick 9-0 run without Sensabaugh, who fouled out of the game with 9:20 remaining. McNeil, Key, Thornton, and Felix Okpara all scored during the run, which ignited a crowd that was already jeering loudly at the officiating crew from how the first half of the game ended.
Up Next:
Ohio State (11-11, 3-8) heads north to take on the Michigan Wolverines (12-10, 6-5) this weekend in Ann Arbor. Heading into Thursday night’s game against Northwestern, the Wolverines had lost three of their last four and were two games ahead of Ohio State in the Big Ten standings. The Buckeyes’ showdown in Ann Arbor is set to tip off at 1 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on CBS.
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