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LGHL Ohio State men’s basketball vs. Purdue: Game preview and prediction
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Ohio State men’s basketball vs. Purdue: Game preview and prediction
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images
The 2022-23 season has gone from bad to worse for OSU, and Sunday’s matchup with Purdue finds the Buckeyes taking on another far superior team in desperate need of a win.
Siri, play Hurt by Johnny Cash...
A painful 2022-23 season continues today for the Ohio State men’s basketball team, as they look to slay the Big Ten’s wounded Goliath in West Lafayette, Indiana. Chris Holtmann’s squad will take on the No. 3 Purdue Boilermakers in Mackey Arena in search of their first win since Jan. 21.
The vibes around this OSU program are much different than they were on Jan. 5, when the Buckeyes nearly upset then-No. 1 Purdue. So different, in fact, that it feels like Sunday’s game is only likely to add more fuel to a burning ring of Scarlet and Gray fire.
After back-to-back homes losses against Northwestern and Michigan State, followed by a road loss to the last team they did beat (Iowa), Holtmann’s uneven roster of true freshmen and veteran transfers is amidst a full-on meltdown the likes of which Buckeye Nation has rarely seen. Currently 3-12 in conference play, Ohio State owns a putrid .200 Big Ten winning percentage, which would be the program’s worst mark since the 1997-98 season.
If you want to somehow feel better about this season, go back and read up on that ’97-98 campaign. I promise: 3-12 will not seem so bad.
The totality of results is not nearly enough to mask the stench of in-conference performance, either. The Buckeyes’ 11-15 overall record puts them four games below .500, meaning absent an unlikely winning streak, they will lose more than half their total games for the first time since 2003-04.
In reality, the only thing saving this current team from setting OSU’s low bar for futility is the back half of the Randy Ayers era and everything he left behind (Jim O’Brien gets a pass for ’97-98, in my humble opinion).
Worse than any win-loss record is the overwhelming appearance of regression. Just about every single player on the current roster seems to have plateaued or taken a step back since the calendar flipped to 2023. Some of this can be attributed to a difficult Big Ten schedule and/or many of Ohio State’s young contributors hitting the proverbial freshman wall, but coaching is supposed to (at least help) prevent such a massive fall-off.
Instead, decisions made at or near the top seem to be causing more chaos than cohesion, while also creating a collective “what the hell are we doing” curiosity — rather than fostering growth and progress.
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Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
So how does OSU right this ship? I have no idea. And unfortunately, it appears as if Holtmann is in the same boat (pun fully intended).
But alas, the season continues. The Buckeyes do not get to pack up and go home just because 2023 has treated them about as well as it has anti-alien truthers. Nor do they likely want to (pack up and go home). Because these guys are competitors. And because college basketball should not be taken for granted.
Players like Justice Sueing and Isaac Likekele do not have many of these opportunities left, so today’s game at Purdue is one of their final shots at some sort of redemption during this difficult ‘22-23 season. Whether Ohio State capitalizes on said shot is a whole other story.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24439889/usa_today_19981099.jpg)
David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
While overall season statistics might lead one to believe that Ohio State will match blows offensively with Purdue and potentially keep this game close, recent history tells a much different story. The Buckeyes are currently averaging 73.7 points per game, which is nearly identical to Matt Painter’s team (slightly better, if we’re splitting hairs).
But they have scored more than 70 just three times since Jan. 8 (11 games) — two of those coming against Iowa, a team with no known interest in playing defense. Holtmann’s squad was also limited to just 41 points (!) exactly one week ago; a performance for the ages, with an inherent ability to crater collective confidence.
Similarly, OSU’s leading individual scorer Brice Sensabaugh boasts a very respectable 16.3 PPG average, but he has not dropped 20 in a game since January. The potential one-and-doner has been mired in a terrible shooting and efficiency slump (10.5 PPG on 30% shooting in his last four), often exacerbated by questionable decision making. But many have absolved Sensabaugh of trying to do too much because whatever system or strategy was in place seems irreversibly broken.
Most possessions on most nights appear to be completely improvised, and as a result, the Buckeyes’ recent offensive execution has been deplorable. Sueing and point guard Bruce Thornton are doing their best to keep this Scarlet and Gray vehicle on the road, but their grip on the wheel is tenuous at best.
Zed Key’s lingering injury has also compounded Ohio State’s offensive issues. His relative ineffectiveness – although, look, give the guy a ton of credit for gutting it out – robs the team of their only dependable low-post option. Without his trademark efficiency and ability to at least threaten opponents around the rim, they are forced to rely on iso ball and copious amounts of jump shots. Just issue on top of issue, leading to a team with no offensive identity.
Unfortunately for Holtmann and his guys, Purdue is not the team you want to see when you are having trouble putting the ball through the hoop. Because Matt Painter’s squad plays an elite brand of defense, despite not ranking near the top in certain statistical categories. Zach Edey gets most of the attention for his play and presence in the middle, but the 7-foot-4 big man “only” averages 2.3 blocks per game. As a team, the Boilermakers average 4.0 BPG, putting them barely above average.
On top of that, Purdue never get steals! They actually rank near the bottom of college basketball in thefts. So there is not some impenetrable forcefield of inflatable arms surrounding the basket, similar to what you would see outside of a car dealership. Instead, they hold teams to 61.9 PPG by applying consistent pressure, playing fantastic on-ball defense, forcing contested shots, and not allowing offensive rebounds. It’s as simple as that. The Boilermakers just play intelligent, disciplined, hard-nosed defense, making life hell for their opponent.
Yet, despite their defensive acumen, Sunday’s home team has also fallen on hard times (relative term) recently, losing three of their last four games — with all three losses coming on the road. The Boilermakers’ visit to Assembly Hall produced an exciting intrastate rivalry game with Indiana, but after a bounceback home win over Iowa, they made trips to Northwestern and Maryland during which they were unable to score the basketball.
Fortunately for Purdue, they had established a considerable margin for error prior, so they remain comfortably atop the Big Ten. But after back to back sub-60 point offensive performances, Matt Painter’s guys will definitely be looking to rediscover their scoring mojo against OSU. And if Thursday night was any indication, the Buckeyes may be willing to facilitate.
Pain... But not for that team.
I think Ohio State shocks the world. The Scarlet and Gray are due for something, anything, just one single thing to go their way before the end of this season. And they owe Purdue! The Boilermakers have ripped the Buckeyes hearts out so many times in recent years that it feels like the basketball karma gods owe one of these teams significantly more than the other.
And call me crazy, but it feels like Purdue is vulnerable. The Boilermakers have lost three of four and looked absolutely horrific on the offensive end while doing so, which is always a possibility when only three players average more than 6.6 PPG. The team’s second-leading scorer, Fletcher Loyer, puts up 12 per on just 38% shooting, for goodness sake!
So this is not some offensive juggernaut. Their winning formula is feed Edey, hit some threes, and play stifling defense. If they fail to achieve all three, maybe OSU has a chance in this one.
The Buckeyes will need some luck. Chris Holtmann’s squad will have to catch fire and sustain a high level of efficiency, which feels like something that has not occurred since the Trump administration. But this is college basketball, where the unexpected is actually inevitable. And Sunday is Ohio State’s Super Bowl.
Give me the Scarlet and Gray in a stunner.
ESPN BPI: Purdue 84.8%
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
TV: CBS
Continue reading...
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images
The 2022-23 season has gone from bad to worse for OSU, and Sunday’s matchup with Purdue finds the Buckeyes taking on another far superior team in desperate need of a win.
Siri, play Hurt by Johnny Cash...
A painful 2022-23 season continues today for the Ohio State men’s basketball team, as they look to slay the Big Ten’s wounded Goliath in West Lafayette, Indiana. Chris Holtmann’s squad will take on the No. 3 Purdue Boilermakers in Mackey Arena in search of their first win since Jan. 21.
The vibes around this OSU program are much different than they were on Jan. 5, when the Buckeyes nearly upset then-No. 1 Purdue. So different, in fact, that it feels like Sunday’s game is only likely to add more fuel to a burning ring of Scarlet and Gray fire.
After back-to-back homes losses against Northwestern and Michigan State, followed by a road loss to the last team they did beat (Iowa), Holtmann’s uneven roster of true freshmen and veteran transfers is amidst a full-on meltdown the likes of which Buckeye Nation has rarely seen. Currently 3-12 in conference play, Ohio State owns a putrid .200 Big Ten winning percentage, which would be the program’s worst mark since the 1997-98 season.
If you want to somehow feel better about this season, go back and read up on that ’97-98 campaign. I promise: 3-12 will not seem so bad.
The totality of results is not nearly enough to mask the stench of in-conference performance, either. The Buckeyes’ 11-15 overall record puts them four games below .500, meaning absent an unlikely winning streak, they will lose more than half their total games for the first time since 2003-04.
In reality, the only thing saving this current team from setting OSU’s low bar for futility is the back half of the Randy Ayers era and everything he left behind (Jim O’Brien gets a pass for ’97-98, in my humble opinion).
Worse than any win-loss record is the overwhelming appearance of regression. Just about every single player on the current roster seems to have plateaued or taken a step back since the calendar flipped to 2023. Some of this can be attributed to a difficult Big Ten schedule and/or many of Ohio State’s young contributors hitting the proverbial freshman wall, but coaching is supposed to (at least help) prevent such a massive fall-off.
Instead, decisions made at or near the top seem to be causing more chaos than cohesion, while also creating a collective “what the hell are we doing” curiosity — rather than fostering growth and progress.
So how does OSU right this ship? I have no idea. And unfortunately, it appears as if Holtmann is in the same boat (pun fully intended).
But alas, the season continues. The Buckeyes do not get to pack up and go home just because 2023 has treated them about as well as it has anti-alien truthers. Nor do they likely want to (pack up and go home). Because these guys are competitors. And because college basketball should not be taken for granted.
Players like Justice Sueing and Isaac Likekele do not have many of these opportunities left, so today’s game at Purdue is one of their final shots at some sort of redemption during this difficult ‘22-23 season. Whether Ohio State capitalizes on said shot is a whole other story.
Preview
While overall season statistics might lead one to believe that Ohio State will match blows offensively with Purdue and potentially keep this game close, recent history tells a much different story. The Buckeyes are currently averaging 73.7 points per game, which is nearly identical to Matt Painter’s team (slightly better, if we’re splitting hairs).
But they have scored more than 70 just three times since Jan. 8 (11 games) — two of those coming against Iowa, a team with no known interest in playing defense. Holtmann’s squad was also limited to just 41 points (!) exactly one week ago; a performance for the ages, with an inherent ability to crater collective confidence.
Similarly, OSU’s leading individual scorer Brice Sensabaugh boasts a very respectable 16.3 PPG average, but he has not dropped 20 in a game since January. The potential one-and-doner has been mired in a terrible shooting and efficiency slump (10.5 PPG on 30% shooting in his last four), often exacerbated by questionable decision making. But many have absolved Sensabaugh of trying to do too much because whatever system or strategy was in place seems irreversibly broken.
Most possessions on most nights appear to be completely improvised, and as a result, the Buckeyes’ recent offensive execution has been deplorable. Sueing and point guard Bruce Thornton are doing their best to keep this Scarlet and Gray vehicle on the road, but their grip on the wheel is tenuous at best.
Zed Key’s lingering injury has also compounded Ohio State’s offensive issues. His relative ineffectiveness – although, look, give the guy a ton of credit for gutting it out – robs the team of their only dependable low-post option. Without his trademark efficiency and ability to at least threaten opponents around the rim, they are forced to rely on iso ball and copious amounts of jump shots. Just issue on top of issue, leading to a team with no offensive identity.
Unfortunately for Holtmann and his guys, Purdue is not the team you want to see when you are having trouble putting the ball through the hoop. Because Matt Painter’s squad plays an elite brand of defense, despite not ranking near the top in certain statistical categories. Zach Edey gets most of the attention for his play and presence in the middle, but the 7-foot-4 big man “only” averages 2.3 blocks per game. As a team, the Boilermakers average 4.0 BPG, putting them barely above average.
On top of that, Purdue never get steals! They actually rank near the bottom of college basketball in thefts. So there is not some impenetrable forcefield of inflatable arms surrounding the basket, similar to what you would see outside of a car dealership. Instead, they hold teams to 61.9 PPG by applying consistent pressure, playing fantastic on-ball defense, forcing contested shots, and not allowing offensive rebounds. It’s as simple as that. The Boilermakers just play intelligent, disciplined, hard-nosed defense, making life hell for their opponent.
Yet, despite their defensive acumen, Sunday’s home team has also fallen on hard times (relative term) recently, losing three of their last four games — with all three losses coming on the road. The Boilermakers’ visit to Assembly Hall produced an exciting intrastate rivalry game with Indiana, but after a bounceback home win over Iowa, they made trips to Northwestern and Maryland during which they were unable to score the basketball.
Fortunately for Purdue, they had established a considerable margin for error prior, so they remain comfortably atop the Big Ten. But after back to back sub-60 point offensive performances, Matt Painter’s guys will definitely be looking to rediscover their scoring mojo against OSU. And if Thursday night was any indication, the Buckeyes may be willing to facilitate.
Prediction
Pain... But not for that team.
I think Ohio State shocks the world. The Scarlet and Gray are due for something, anything, just one single thing to go their way before the end of this season. And they owe Purdue! The Boilermakers have ripped the Buckeyes hearts out so many times in recent years that it feels like the basketball karma gods owe one of these teams significantly more than the other.
And call me crazy, but it feels like Purdue is vulnerable. The Boilermakers have lost three of four and looked absolutely horrific on the offensive end while doing so, which is always a possibility when only three players average more than 6.6 PPG. The team’s second-leading scorer, Fletcher Loyer, puts up 12 per on just 38% shooting, for goodness sake!
So this is not some offensive juggernaut. Their winning formula is feed Edey, hit some threes, and play stifling defense. If they fail to achieve all three, maybe OSU has a chance in this one.
The Buckeyes will need some luck. Chris Holtmann’s squad will have to catch fire and sustain a high level of efficiency, which feels like something that has not occurred since the Trump administration. But this is college basketball, where the unexpected is actually inevitable. And Sunday is Ohio State’s Super Bowl.
Give me the Scarlet and Gray in a stunner.
ESPN BPI: Purdue 84.8%
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
TV: CBS
LGHL score prediction: Ohio State 75, Purdue 74
Continue reading...
LGHL Ohio State men’s hockey team squares off with Michigan in the “Faceoff On The Lake”
- News
- 0 Replies
Ohio State men’s hockey team squares off with Michigan in the “Faceoff On The Lake”
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
After a thrilling contest on Thursday in Columbus, the rivals will square off outdoors in Cleveland today.
Finally, a meaningful game being played at FirstEnergy Stadium after the new year!
This afternoon, Ohio State and Michigan will square off up in Cleveland at the “Faceoff On The Lake”. This won’t be the first time the rivals have played outdoors on the ice in Cleveland. Back in 2012, the Wolverines beat the Buckeyes 4-1 at Progressive Field.
Ohio State will be looking for their first outdoor win, as they enter today’s contest with a 0-3 record when playing out in the elements. On the opposite side, Michigan has a 4-2-1-1 record all-time outdoors.
The two teams played in Columbus on Thursday, with Ohio State earning a win on Senior Night in a shootout. The Wolverines got on the board first, as Adam Fantilli scored his 19th goal of the season less than two minutes left in the period. The Buckeyes responded immediately, as Tate Singleton netted his ninth goal of the year just 28 seconds later.
Michigan put a little distance on Ohio State in the second period, with Luca Fantilli scoring 2:29 into the period. Jackson Hallum lit the lamp four minutes later to extend the lead to 3-1 for the Wolverines. Matt Cassidy cut the lead in half about two minutes later, scoring his third goal of the season for Ohio State. The teams would head to the second intermission with Michigan leading 3-2.
Singleton scored his second goal of the game at 4:56 of the third period to tie the game, and the teams would end up heading to overtime. Neither squad was able to find the back of the net in the extra five minutes, which led to the game being decided in a shootout.
Ohio State wouldn’t allow their rival to spoil Senior Night, as Jake Wise was the only shooter to score in the shootout. The win improved Ohio State’s record to 17-11-3 on the season, with a 10-9-2 record in the Big Ten. Michigan is now 20-9-2 this year, with a 12-8-1 mark in the conference.
Not only will Ohio State be playing in a fun setting today, the Buckeyes will be wearing “sweaters” to resemble the uniforms in the 1940s worn by the Ohio State football team.
No matter what uniforms the hockey team is wearing today, it would just be very refreshing to see a Buckeye team beat the Wolverines on a football field for the first time since 2019. The fact that the teams are playing on ice is only a small detail! Hopefully Ryan Day is tuning in and taking some notes if Ohio State ends up winning today.
The weather in Cleveland looks fabulous for an event like this, with temperatures expected to top out in the mid-40s with clear skies. The 4:00 p.m. ET start should allow for some darkness to creep in towards the end of the game. More than 50,000 people are expected to be in attendance for the game, and they really lucked out on getting such a tremendous day at this time in February.
Following today’s game, Ohio State will have two more contests left in the regular season. The Buckeyes close out their schedule next Friday and Saturday in Minneapolis against the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Currently, Minnesota is slated to earn a bye in the Big Ten Tournament, while Ohio State would be hosting Michigan State in a best-of-three series to earn a spot in the semifinals.
With his two goals on Thursday night, Tate Singleton is now the fifth Buckeye to reach double-digits in goals this year. Davis Burnside leads Ohio State with 13 goals, while Cam Theising, Jake Wise, Joe Dunlap, and Singleton all have now scored 10 goals on the season. Stephen Halliday leads the Buckeyes with 31 points this season.
TV: Big Ten Network
Time: 4:00 p.m. ET
Continue reading...
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
After a thrilling contest on Thursday in Columbus, the rivals will square off outdoors in Cleveland today.
Finally, a meaningful game being played at FirstEnergy Stadium after the new year!
This afternoon, Ohio State and Michigan will square off up in Cleveland at the “Faceoff On The Lake”. This won’t be the first time the rivals have played outdoors on the ice in Cleveland. Back in 2012, the Wolverines beat the Buckeyes 4-1 at Progressive Field.
Ohio State will be looking for their first outdoor win, as they enter today’s contest with a 0-3 record when playing out in the elements. On the opposite side, Michigan has a 4-2-1-1 record all-time outdoors.
The two teams played in Columbus on Thursday, with Ohio State earning a win on Senior Night in a shootout. The Wolverines got on the board first, as Adam Fantilli scored his 19th goal of the season less than two minutes left in the period. The Buckeyes responded immediately, as Tate Singleton netted his ninth goal of the year just 28 seconds later.
Michigan put a little distance on Ohio State in the second period, with Luca Fantilli scoring 2:29 into the period. Jackson Hallum lit the lamp four minutes later to extend the lead to 3-1 for the Wolverines. Matt Cassidy cut the lead in half about two minutes later, scoring his third goal of the season for Ohio State. The teams would head to the second intermission with Michigan leading 3-2.
Singleton scored his second goal of the game at 4:56 of the third period to tie the game, and the teams would end up heading to overtime. Neither squad was able to find the back of the net in the extra five minutes, which led to the game being decided in a shootout.
Ohio State wouldn’t allow their rival to spoil Senior Night, as Jake Wise was the only shooter to score in the shootout. The win improved Ohio State’s record to 17-11-3 on the season, with a 10-9-2 record in the Big Ten. Michigan is now 20-9-2 this year, with a 12-8-1 mark in the conference.
19402023 ️
First look at the Faceoff on the Lake sweater️#GoBucks pic.twitter.com/EJssf4EQHH
— Ohio State Men's Hockey (@OhioStateMHKY) February 17, 2023
Not only will Ohio State be playing in a fun setting today, the Buckeyes will be wearing “sweaters” to resemble the uniforms in the 1940s worn by the Ohio State football team.
No matter what uniforms the hockey team is wearing today, it would just be very refreshing to see a Buckeye team beat the Wolverines on a football field for the first time since 2019. The fact that the teams are playing on ice is only a small detail! Hopefully Ryan Day is tuning in and taking some notes if Ohio State ends up winning today.
The weather in Cleveland looks fabulous for an event like this, with temperatures expected to top out in the mid-40s with clear skies. The 4:00 p.m. ET start should allow for some darkness to creep in towards the end of the game. More than 50,000 people are expected to be in attendance for the game, and they really lucked out on getting such a tremendous day at this time in February.
Following today’s game, Ohio State will have two more contests left in the regular season. The Buckeyes close out their schedule next Friday and Saturday in Minneapolis against the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Currently, Minnesota is slated to earn a bye in the Big Ten Tournament, while Ohio State would be hosting Michigan State in a best-of-three series to earn a spot in the semifinals.
With his two goals on Thursday night, Tate Singleton is now the fifth Buckeye to reach double-digits in goals this year. Davis Burnside leads Ohio State with 13 goals, while Cam Theising, Jake Wise, Joe Dunlap, and Singleton all have now scored 10 goals on the season. Stephen Halliday leads the Buckeyes with 31 points this season.
TV: Big Ten Network
Time: 4:00 p.m. ET
Continue reading...
