Ohio State got back in the win column Thursday, holding off a hard-charging Minnesota Golden Gopher squad to advance to the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament. OSU played much better for larger stretches of the game than what we’ve seen over the four game losing streak, but it still got a little sketchy down the stretch.
When you’re in the throws of March though, it’s all about survive and advance, and that’s exactly what the Buckeyes did, winning by a score of 79-75.
Once again, there was plenty to observe and take away from this game, and as we do every game, we’ve got some things we think we know after what we witnessed in Lucas Oil Stadium.
Here are three takeaways from Ohio State’s victory over Minnesota in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament.
NEXT … Much better with decision making
The end of the game was better, not great
We’ve seen some pretty suspect decision-making down the stretch of closing out games during the four game losing streak. In all but the Iowa game, Ohio State did enough to be in position to win the game but showed poor shot selection, a cavalier attitude with the basketball, and an all around timid brand of ball going down the stretch that resulted in three losses that could have easily gone the other way.
It wasn’t perfect again vs. Minnesota, but it was better. The OSU players were more connected in terms of getting good looks, working together as a team, and finding a way to seal the deal when it got to a nip and tuck situation. The turnovers and strong play in the face of pressure still have to get better, but it was a step in the right direction.
NEXT … There’s a fine line between winning and losing
The conversation could have been much different after this one
Ohio State controlled most of this game, and yet there we were again, watching a game that got closer than it needed to be. In the course of so many plays and so many shots, it’s amazing how many of these games in the Big Ten come down to a play or two, or a bounce here or there. Or even a call that goes the wrong way as an unfortunate break.
It was nice to finally be on the winning side of the scoreboard, but OSU could have very easily been in the same place against Michigan State, Illinois, or Michigan. But it wasn’t. The conversations are so different based on which team makes one or two more plays in the game, and it sure does change the narrative for everyone involved. Yes, including the media.
NEXT … So, about getting to the rim
This team is best when it is aggressive in the lane
We’ve touched on this plenty this year, but it’s worth noting again. When Ohio State gets comfortable dribbling out on the perimeter and settling for long jumpers — often the 3-point variety — it isn’t the best version of itself. You could definitely notice an emphasis on being aggressive and getting in the lane and towards the rim against Minnesota Thursday, and it paid off big time.
The Buckeyes only shot twelve 3-pointers, and got to the free-throw line 28 times. More than that, the shot chart showed a ton of opportunities in and around the post and lane area. Those high percentage looks resulted in a 50% shooting percentage and a lot of easy points.
Bingo. Now, time to repeat that and remember it moving forward.
