• Follow us on Twitter @buckeyeplanet and @bp_recruiting, like us on Facebook! Enjoy a post or article, recommend it to others! BP is only as strong as its community, and we only promote by word of mouth, so share away!
  • Consider registering! Fewer and higher quality ads, no emails you don't want, access to all the forums, download game torrents, private messages, polls, Sportsbook, etc. Even if you just want to lurk, there are a lot of good reasons to register!

Hot

Forum list

Hot

 Threads Latest activity Posts Social Questions

LGHL Three questions about the 2023 Ohio State wide receivers

Three questions about the 2023 Ohio State wide receivers
CMinnich via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: DEC 31 Semifinal Game Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl

Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Plenty of talent returning for the upcoming season in Columbus.

Mark Twain once said of spring, “In the spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours.” Perhaps Mark Twain spent time in the great state of Ohio in the spring months as he made that comment.

As it gets closer and closer to the official start of Ohio State spring football, I have decided to write a series of articles on a weekly basis to identify and rank the position groups, from least to most concerning, as they pertain to the upcoming 2023 season. Each week, I will point out questions I have about these position groups, and it is my hope that several, if not all, of these questions will be answered by the Ohio State Spring Game on April 15.


The Wide Receivers | Concern Ranking: 9th

  • Scholarship Players Lost From The 2022 Squad: Kamryn Babb, Jaxon Smith-Njigba
  • Scholarship Players Returning From The 2022 Squad: Emeka Egbuka, Julian Fleming, Jayden Ballard, Xavier Johnson, Caleb Burton, Kaleb Brown, Kojo Antwi, Kyion Grayes, Marvin Harrison, Jr.
  • Freshmen Players Participating In 2023 Spring Football: Bryson Rodgers, Noah Rogers, Carnell Tate

Reason For My Ranking: Looking at this position group, Ohio State has the luxury of all of their leading receivers from the 2022 season back for another year. Granted, Emeka Egbuka and Julian Fleming will not be participating in spring football after surgeries as a precautionary measure, and it is widely expected that Marvin Harrison Jr. will be participating, but on a limited “pitch count” to ensure his availability for fall camp.

Even without these players in the mix, this is the deepest and arguably most talented position group on Ohio State’s roster.


1. What role will Jayden Ballard have in 2023?

Ballard enters his third year in the program, and has an opportunity to establish himself as the team’s best deep threat option at the position. Listed at 6-foot-2, 196 pounds, Ballard has caught nine passes in his two seasons, and averaged slightly better than 19 yards per reception. This spring may present a terrific chance for Ballard to showcase his talent.

2. Will any of the WR signed in 2022 make a move on the depth chart?

Ohio State signed Kojo Antwi, Kaleb Brown, Caleb Burton, and Kyion Grayes in their 2022 recruiting class. Both Brown and Grayes had one reception in limited playing time. Brown played in four games, while Grayes played in two. If ever there was a time for these four players to try to establish themselves in the eyes of the coaching staff, these upcoming spring sessions will be crucial, as...

3. Can any true freshmen WR make an impact on the depth chart?

Ohio State offensive coordinator/wide receivers coach Brian Hartline continues to recruit and sign tremendously talented players for the wide receiver group, with Bryson Rodgers, Noah Rogers, and Carnell Tate signed and on campus for the spring. Brandon Innis will be arriving on campus this summer, as well.

All were heavily recruited, and could possibly move up the depth chart with impressive performances. It is more than likely that these players will not play considerably in 2023, with Egbuka, Fleming, and Harrison still on the roster, but this spring could set them all up for consideration for significant playing time in the 2024 season.

Continue reading...
Click to expand...

LGHL You’re Nuts: Who should Carmen’s Crew add to this year’s TBT roster?

You’re Nuts: Who should Carmen’s Crew add to this year’s TBT roster?
Connor Lemons via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

NCAA Basketball: NCAA Tournament-Second Round-Ohio State vs Gonzaga

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

After a one-year hiatus, the men in scarlet and gray are returning to TBT this summer.

Carmen’s Crew, formerly Scarlet and Gray, reached a crossroads last season and ultimately chose not to participate in the 2022 TBT. The old guard — Aaron Craft, Jon Diebler, William Buford, etc. — have either moved on from basketball or have families, and want to spend their off-season time doing something other than basketball.

Meanwhile, many of the Chris-Holtmann-era guys are either still in the NBA, G-League, or don’t have deep ties to Ohio State. Last year, Carmen’s Crew decided to take a year and regroup. But they’re back for 2023.


Last week, we debated which Ohio State team was our personal favorite. Justin went with the 2010-2011 team. Connor went with the 2017-2018 team. Justin earned 34% of the vote, Connor got 3% of the vote, and “other” picked up a whopping 61% — so neither of us won.

After 88 weeks:​

Justin- 39
Connor- 35
Other- 10​

(There have been four ties)​


As previously stated, Carmen’s Crew announced this week that they are back for 2023, and are transitioning to a group of mostly younger Buckeyes, most of whom played for Chris Holtmann. Andre Wesson, Kaleb Wesson, Trevor Thompson, CJ Jackson, CJ Walker, and Keyshawn Woods. But six players does not a roster make, and they’ll need to keep adding throughout the spring and summer.

This week, we’re picking players we’d like to see Carmen’s Crew add for this year’s team.

Today’s question: Who should Carmen’s Crew add to this year’s TBT roster?​

Connor: Kam Williams ​

NCAA Basketball: NCAA Tournament-First Round-South Dakota State vs Ohio State
Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports

For starters, give me credit for choosing a player who A) played all four years at Ohio State and B) hasn’t already been rumored to be on the roster already.

Chris Holtmann has been at Ohio State for six seasons and has had five recruiting classes, which means the available player pool of guys who played four years for Holtmann at Ohio State is not huge. That means Carmen’s Crew will probably wind up with one or two older guys who played for Matta, one or two guys who only played for Holtmann for a year or two, and maybe even a player or two who didn’t even play for Ohio State.

However, Kam William’s game could fit really well with TBT and the Elam Ending style of play, and he played with the Wesson brothers his final few seasons at Ohio State. Williams most recently played overseas in Denmark. He was a 1,000-point scorer at Ohio State as well as a 40.3% three-point shooter — one of the best Ohio State shooters of the past 20 years.

TBT tends to speed up and run a bit more like an AAU game than a college game, but also relies heavily on guys being able to hit jump shots when the Elam Ending target score is implemented at the end of games. Adding Williams as a perimeter threat would be a wise move by Carmen’s Crew general manager Jared Sullinger if he does indeed add both Thompson and Kaleb Wesson to the team.

Both of the aforementioned big men will likely draw double teams, and having Williams lurking on the perimeter would be a big bonus for Carmen’s Crew, which will try to advance deep into TBT after getting bounced by The Money Team two years ago early in the tournament (In Columbus, no less).

If you want evidence of Williams’ ability to take over a game, look no further than Ohio State’s NCAA Tournament victory over the Mike Daum-led South Dakota State Jackrabbits in 2018.

Williams was not Ohio State’s leading scorer that day — that was Keita Bates-Diop, who had 24 — but he did score 22 points, including a crucial stretch late in the second half that arguably won the game for Ohio State and avoided a 12-5 upset. In a tie game with 1:36 remaining, Williams was fouled shooting a three by then-SDSU guard (now Purdue guard) David Jenkins Jr. Williams hit the shot, knocked down the free throw, and gave the Buckeyes a 74-70 lead. This was on the heels of a 10-0 Jackrabbits run, with all the momentum seemingly riding with the 12-seed.

March 15, 2018

Kam Williams hits the 3 and draws the foul with just over a minute to go in Ohio State's 81-73 first round win over Mike Daum and SDSU in the 2018 NCAA Tournament. pic.twitter.com/VUOENw6OrY

— Connor Lemons (@lemons_connor) March 15, 2020
Click to expand...

32 seconds later, with Ohio State still up 74-70, Williams was fouled by Brandon Key shooting a three — although he did not make the shot this time. Williams calmly knocked down all three free throws to put the Buckeyes up a touchdown, 77-70, and they would go on to win, 81-73. Williams scored seven of Ohio State’s final 11 points, and finished with a season-high 22.

Justin: C.J. Walker​

Syndication: Marion
George Fleiner/For USA Today Network-Ohio, Marion Star via Imagn Content Services, LLC

To be honest, I was almost going to pick Duane Washington. As of right now, he is not signed to an NBA contract after he was released from his 10-day contract from the Phoenix Suns recently.

However, I think he played well enough and showed enough to NBA teams to find his way onto another team by the end of the season, or to at least earn a chance to play in Summer league, which would make him ineligible to play in TBT. I am putting my faith in his future.

So instead, I will go with one of his old teammates: C.J. Walker.

Walker was the Buckeyes starting point guard from 2019-2021 and helped lead the Buckeyes to a No. 2 seed in the 2021 NCAA Tournament. No need to mention how it ended.

Walker averaged 9.5 points, 4.4 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game during his final season with the Buckeyes.

Walker has been overseas playing professional basketball in Germany for the Phoenix Hagen for the last two seasons and playing well. Also, he has already played in TBT when he played for the Dayton alumni team Red Scare last summer. So he has the experience playing in TBT and knows what it is like.

Shannon Scott will likely be back for Carmen’s Crew, but Aaron Craft is 99.9 percent done playing (have to say 99.9 just in case but it is likely 100 percent), so they will need someone to run the point with Scott.

We know Jared Sullinger and the team are looking for guys from this era of Ohio State basketball and the Chris Holtmann era to get some younger guys involved that can carry the torch when all of the older guys are done. Walker just graduated in 2021 and is still playing at a high level and has many years of pro basketball ahead of him, so between that and him already playing in TBT, this addition makes too much sense.


Continue reading...
Click to expand...

LGHL The addition of James Laurinaitis is already off to a great start on the recruiting trail

The addition of James Laurinaitis is already off to a great start on the recruiting trail
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

NCAA Football: Notre Dame at Ohio State

Adam Cairns-USA TODAY Sports

The former Ohio State is showing what he has when it comes to recruiting efforts.

One of the more exciting aspects to happen to Ohio State so far this offseason has been the addition and homecoming of James Laurinaitis. A star during his playing days, Laurinaitis got his start in coaching last season when he was at Notre Dame, but the opportunity to come back home presented itself, and it’s safe to say the Buckeyes are going to love all that he brings.

Not a full-time position coach, Laurinaitis will be in an assistant role, but being able to coach on-field and also recruit on campus are the two biggest areas he’s sure to help Ohio State with. Having a linebacker coach at heart for a defensive coordinator, Jim Knowles knows exactly what he wants in that position, but the benefits to having James on staff is sure to increase the level of play for one, but also in the efforts of when the top targeted linebackers on campus.

As seen with Brian Hartline, having a former player who had a ton of success in the NFL now on staff really appeals to recruits, and the Buckeyes are hoping they have that once again with Laurinaitis in the fold. As the spring gets closer, more and more recruits are going to be heading to Columbus, and that’s where Laurinaitis can really start his efforts in pitching Ohio State when it comes to priority linebackers.

On Thursday, 2024 linebacker Qua Birdsong set his visit plans to see the Buckeyes in the near future, and he certainly won’t be the only one to step foot onto campus during the spring football practice season.

The No. 146 player nationally, Birdsong is also the 14th best linebacker in the country per the 247Sports Composite. A Georgia native, Birdsong may not have a long list of offers yet, but his plans to visit schools around the country this spring may have an impact on that list.

Still, with programs such as Notre Dame, USC, Ole Miss, NC State, and others in the mix already, the four-star ranking checks out. At any rate, these March visit plans may have Qua leaving Ohio State with more than just interest in mind, and especially after he’s visited with the new defensive staff additions who know his spot well.

Cali native LB wants to see Ohio State up close and personal​


Sticking with the trend, the linebacker position and specifically the work Laurinaitis is already doing is showing it’s worth. Ohio State goes back to the well time and time again when it comes to recruiting players from the same prep program regardless of year. When top high schools are producing elite players at a high rate, it only makes sense to spend time recruiting the schools where there’s already been previous success, and that looks to be the same in the 2024 class as well.

California’s St. John Bosco is one of the top prep powers every year, and Ohio State has been able to land a few players from there as well. In the current cycle, it looks as if the Buckeyes are hoping to get back into the Bosco program with linebacker target, Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa.

One of the best players in the state, Viliamu-Asa is currently the No. 80 player nationally and the eighth best linebacker in the country per the 247Sports Composite. With over 20 offers to his name and from the likes of Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Auburn, Notre Dame, Miami, and plenty of others, it’s easy to see why Ohio State and so many others are in on him.

Fortunately, Ohio State is doing enough already to have Kyngstonn wanting to plan an official visit to Columbus. One of the key reasons as to why though is a great sign for Ohio State — because of Laurinaitis and his ability to build a relationship. This was a great hire and a no brainer, but seeing him work this hard this early on for his alma mater shows how important he will be to this defensive staff as a whole.

Continue reading...
Click to expand...

LGHL Three takeaways from Ohio State’s 92-75 loss at Iowa

Three takeaways from Ohio State’s 92-75 loss at Iowa
justingolba via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

NCAA Basketball: Ohio State at Iowa

Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Another two minute stretch of basketball was the deciding factor for the Buckeyes in yet another lopsided loss.

The Ohio State Buckeyes men’s basketball braved the snow and recent poor play as the Buckeyes visited Carver-Hawkeye Arena and the Iowa Hawkeyes.

The Buckeyes (11-15, 3-12) fell to the Hawkeyes (17-9, 9-6) 92-75 on Thursday night.

For Ohio State, it entered this contest with Iowa being its last win. On Jan. 21, the Buckeyes took down the Hawkeye 93-77 at home, led by 28 points from Brice Sensabaugh. The win broke a four-game losing streak and started to give some Buckeye fans hope that it was not too late to turn the season around.

Since then, the Buckeyes are 0-6, and have fallen to 13th place in the conference. The only team lower is Minnesota, who got its only conference win of the season at Ohio State.

It has been a tale of two halves for the Buckeyes so far this season. In their first 13 games, the Buckeyes were 10-3 while averaging 81.0 points per game. In their last 12 games, they are 1-11 while averaging 65.8 points per game.


It was another not-so-great start for the Buckeyes, as Iowa took a 10-5 lead quickly and the Buckeyes turned the ball over three times in three minutes.

However, they turned the corner and got going on the offensive side of the ball. The Buckeyes scored 15 points in the first 6:30 of the game and trailed 17-15. The Buckeyes scored just 14 points in the entire first half against Michigan State on Sunday, so that is a positive.

It was a back-and-forth game for most of the first half between both teams. Sean McNeil came off the bench and immediately hit a trio of three-pointers to get a quick nine points. With just over two minutes left in the half, Isaac Likekele found Brice Sensabaugh for a three-pointer that gave the Buckeyes a 36-35 lead.

THREE FOR BRICE PUTS THE BUCKEYES UP.

OSU: 3️⃣6️⃣
IOWA: 3️⃣5️⃣ https://t.co/RZrZWvWHfW

— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) February 17, 2023
Click to expand...

Then, in what seemed to be a two-minute description of the entire season thus far, the game fell apart.

Following the three-pointer, Sensabaugh got a steal off Iowa, but he missed the ensuing fast-break layup, which led to an Iowa three-pointer. In the next 90 seconds, Iowa would hit three more three-pointers off of two more Buckeye turnovers, and Iowa closed the half on a 12-0 run and led 47-36.

At the half.

OSU: 3️⃣6️⃣
IOWA: 4️⃣7️⃣#GoBucks pic.twitter.com/afYcf9WEUr

— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) February 17, 2023
Click to expand...

This was the fifth time in the last seven games that the Buckeyes trailed by double-digit points at the half. Sean McNeil led the Buckeyes in the opening period with 11 points, and Sensabaugh added nine points.

Tony Perkins led Iowa with 12 points in the first half, and Peyton Sandfort added 10 points off the bench. Perkins was 3-for-12 from the field in the Hawkeyes' last game.

Iowa won the first-half turnover battle 9-4 and outscored the Buckeyes 9-0 on points off turnovers. The Buckeyes did do a good job early on Iowa star Kris Murray, who came into the game averaging 21 points per game but only had six in the first half.

In the first three minutes of the second half, Iowa pushed their lead out to 56-40, and Roddy Gayle and Zed Key both left the game with injuries. McNeil did answer with a three-pointer, his 200th career made shot from deep.

Iowa went 15-for-19 from the field in the first 12 minutes of the second half. At the under-12 media timeout, Iowa pushed the lead to 72-51. The Buckeyes could not string together any stops or scoring runs, and Iowa won the game 92-75.

For Iowa, Tony Perkins finished with a game-high 24 points on 11-for-16 shooting. Kris Murray finished with 20 points. Connor McCaffery finished with 13 assists.

For Ohio State, Sean McNeil finished with 20 points on 7-for-7 shooting from the field and 4-for-4 from deep.

Here are three takeaways from the Buckeyes’ loss at Iowa.

Keep starting the freshman​

Tonight’s Lineup‼️

@roddy_gayle
@Bruce2T_
@bricepsensa
@JusticeSueing
@iamzedkey #GoBucks

— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) February 17, 2023
Click to expand...

For the second-straight game, the Buckeyes’ coaching staff decided to start three freshmen and bring the fourth, Felix Okpara, off the bench early. Bruce Thornton, Roddy Gayle and Brice Sensabaugh all were in the starting lineup in this contest.

It is time to face reality. Barring a run in the Big Ten Tournament and the Buckeyes getting the B1G automatic bid, they will miss the NCAA Tournament and will play in the NIT. With that being the reality they face, it is okay to start looking ahead to the next season.

Justice Sueing, Isaac Likekele, and Sean McNeil are all gone for sure, as their college eligibility will run out after this season. Brice Sensabaugh could decide to enter the NBA Draft but there is still a chance he will return along with Gayle, Thornton, and Okpara.

With four more freshmen coming in next season that will all contribute immediately, they have to get these younger guys as much time as possible as they will at least have two of them starting next season and could have all four of them in the starting lineup.

Let Bruce cook​


No, that is not a typo. Yes, Brice Sensabaugh is the Buckeyes' best offensive player overall, but fellow freshman Bruce Thornton is an incredibly important piece to this team’s offensive identity and for the future of the program.

Thornton has started at the point guard position since day one and for the majority of the season, has been very good. He had a career-high 22 points against Northwestern and has been very successful offensively when he hunts his own shot. However, he does not always do that and sometimes takes a back seat to his own scoring to facilitate the offense.

Now the season is lost, so it is time to let him cook. He is an efficient three-point shooter that is physical in the lane and can create space to get a good shot off. He needs to take more of a role as a scorer so he is ready in that role next season alongside Roddy Gayle and incoming freshman Taison Chatman.

He was also named a captain two weeks ago as just a freshman.

Try to get some momentum heading into the offseason​


This is more of a statement than a takeaway, but still — it is important.

As mentioned above, the Buckeyes are not heading to the NCAA Tournament unless they earn their way through the Big Ten Tournament. However, unlike last season, you have a lot of strong pieces returning.

Obviously, transfers can always happen, but presumably, Zed Key, Eugene Brown, Tanner Holden, Bruce Thornton, Roddy Gayle, and Felix Okpara will all be back and playing major roles on the 2023-24 Buckeye team. Sensabaugh could be back or could enter the NBA Draft.

All of these guys should play significant minutes moving forward, barring health issues, so they are ready to go next season as the 2023 recruiting class gets acclimated.

Up Next​


The Buckeyes are back in action on Sunday as they will head to Mackey Arena in West Lafayette and take on the Purdue Boilermakers (23-4, 12-4) at 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS.

Continue reading...
Click to expand...

LGHL No. 13 Ohio State visits Penn State and defeats Nittany Lions 67-55

No. 13 Ohio State visits Penn State and defeats Nittany Lions 67-55
1ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

28DDBB61_DE74_4EDC_AC26_CBD64C3D9945.0.jpeg

Ohio State University athletic department

The Buckeyes took on the Nittany Lions Thursday night, hoping to get back on the right track

The Ohio State women’s basketball team is a program looking to get back on track when it counts most: The final week of the Big Ten regular season. After going 19-0, Ohio State is 2-5 and looking to stay near the top of the conference standings, in hope to host NCAA tournament games and skip an extra round of the Big Ten Tournament.

Head coach Kevin McGuff and the Buckeyes’ fight started Thursday against the Penn State Nittany Lions. The Buckeyes beat the Nittany Lions 67-55, overcoming self-inflicted turnover problems early in the game to earn the victory.

From the jump, the Scarlet & Gray came out quickly. Still without guard Jacy Sheldon, the ball was in the hands of standout freshman forward Cotie McMahon. The Ohioan got Ohio State off with a layup after guard Rikki Harris got the first steal of the game for the Buckeyes.

Penn State though, known for playing fast themselves, tried to slow the Buckeyes down in the first quarter. Unfortunately for the Nittany Lions, guard Leilani Kapinus gave the home team a scare early. Kapinus, who’s sixth in the country averaging 3.36 steals per game, got into position to take a charge, but her head hit the court hard.

Fortunately, Kapinus returned to the game in the first quarter, but when she returned Ohio State was on a roll.

After Penn State freshman guard Shay Ciezki hit the first five points of the game for the Lions, the Buckeyes went on a 12-point run with four different Buckeyes contributing. Leading the way was McMahon. The freshman had seven points in the first half of the quarter, along with guard Taylor Mikesell hitting a three on a quick screen, still battling with a defender stuck to her like glue.

Then, things went awry for McGuff’s side.

Up 12 points, the Buckeyes went on a scoreless run of 3:53 of game time. In that span, Ohio State gave the ball up five times. At one point, after Penn State forward Chanaya Pinto went from the perimeter to the basket unmarked and in a wide open lane, Coach McGuff and the Buckeyes called a timeout as the coach was storming onto the court, visibly angry at his team for the mental lapse on the defensive end of the court.

Penn State went on a seven-point run and went into the second quarter down only five points. A positive for Ohio State in that rough stretch was the return of forward Rebeka Mikulášiková.

After suffering a high ankle sprain last week against the Minnesota Golden Gophers, Mikulášiková missed Monday’s defeat to Indiana and looked like she wasn’t available tonight with forward Eboni Walker starting in her place. However, the Slovakian forward was suited up and came in three first half minutes, hitting a midrange shot to score two points in the half.

In the second quarter, the Buckeyes calmed down on the offensive side of the ball and slowed down the pace. That limited turnovers, with two of their five first quarter turnovers coming off of passes where the passer didn’t see a Nittany Lion draped on the player receiving the ball.

The Buckeyes pushed their lead back up to 12 points, thanks to another even scoring quarter across the board. No one Ohio State player dominated in offensive production, but six different Buckeyes got the ball into the basket in the second quarter.

Ohio State’s defense also improved. In the second quarter, the Buckeyes held the Nittany Lions to 10 total points and both Taylors for the Scarlet & Gray made impressive blocks.

Sophomore Taylor Thierry was first. The guard/forward hybrid was draped on Penn State guard Taniyah Thompson. Just outside of the key, Thompson went for a shot and Thierry matched the jump shot and then some, blocking the attempt and winning possession For Ohio State.

Then, with a minute remaining, Harris took a quick three from the top of the arc and missed, rimming out to guard Makenna Marisa who sent the Nittany Lions on the break. Not giving up on the play was Mikesell. Playing like her most famous fan, NBA superstar LeBron James, Mikesell didn’t give up on the play and ran down the court to block a layup on forward Aicha Dia.

The Buckeyes reasserted themselves in the second quarter and went into the locker room up 38-26.

For all the excitement of the first half, the start to the second half was a whimper. Both the Buckeyes and Nittany Lions failed to hit at least 20% shooting in the first half of the third quarter, combining for nine points total in over five minutes.

Ohio State shot 14.3% while the Nittany Lions shot slightly better at 18.2%. Either team hitting close to their average would turn the game into one side’s favor and it ended up being the Buckeyes.

The visitors came out of the media timeout, halfway through the third quarter, on a nine-point run, extending their lead to 20 points. Ohio State held the home team without a point for the final 5:52 of the third quarter, extending into the final quarter.

It’d be 8:39 of time off the clock before the Nittany Lions hit a shot again. Before they could, Ohio State hit a trifecta of triples. The first two came off Harris, having only her fourth game of the season where the redshirt junior hit multiple three-pointers in a game this season.

Ohio State extended their lead to 29 points, but Penn State pushed back. The Nittany Lions answered with an 16-point run of their own. It trimmed the Scarlet & Gray’s lead down to 13 points. Marisa scored 18 fourth quarter points, better than the four points Marisa scored combined in the three previous quarters combined.

In that run, the Scarlet & Gray had more injury concern when Walker, already starting because of an injured Mikulášiková, went down with a rolled ankle. It’s the last thing Ohio State needs with only a week remaining in the regular season and 13 days until the Big Ten tournament begins.

Either way, the comeback run was too late for Penn State as Ohio State pulls out the victory, 67-55.

Ohio State Defense Bends​


The story of the evening for Ohio State was their defense. Entering Thursday, the Nittany Lions featured a pair of dynamic guards in Marisa and Ciezki. For most of the night though, the Buckeyes kept them silent until the final minutes of the game.

Ciezki’s five points to start the game were the only points the freshman scored going into the fourth quarter.

For Marisa, who led the Nittany Lions with 18 points per game scoring entering Thursday, had four going into the final seven minutes of the game on 1-for-10 shooting. Then the guard exploded for 18 fourth quarter points, an area of concern for the Buckeyes even with the win.

Cotie McMahon Leads​


It’s becoming a regular theme for the Buckeyes that the energy and intensity on the court runs through McMahon. The freshman forward led the Buckeyes in scoring with 17 points and grabbed 11 rebounds against Penn State. It was McMahon’s first double-double and the performance also showed highlighted different parts of her game.

In previous games, it was go for the basket or nothing. On Thursday, McMahon hit a three-point shot and also held up when going to the basket, opting for midrange efforts. McMahon had a night that makes her look more dangerous than she’s already looked in the past two months of the season, a scary prospect for the opponents.

What’s Next​


The Buckeyes now have only two regular season games left this season, with the Big Ten Tournament coming soon, tipping off on March 1. Ohio State ends their conference schedule with a pair of big games.

It begins Monday, with a trip to Ann Arbor, Michigan. That’s when the Scarlet & Gray take on the Maize & Blue of the No. 12 Michigan Wolverines. On Friday, the season ends at the Schottenstein Center, with a visit from the No. 8 Maryland Terrapins.

Getting into the top four of the conference, and getting a double-bye in the conference tournament, will come down to how the Buckeyes perform in their final two games of the season.

Continue reading...
Click to expand...
Load more

Filter

Latest winning wagers

Back
Top