And with that thud, the regular season for Ohio State came to a merciful close. It started out as another unexpected and surprising start to the year, but things began to derail in the midst of Big Ten play. Now, a trip to the NCAA Tournament looks less likely than expected at this point.
It was a senior day that looked like it would be without drama before the Buckeyes began to make this a full-court game and play with more purpose and intensity in the second half. In the end, it was a good effort at a comeback, but one that ultimately fell short in overtime 73-67. And when you’re trying to get into the NCAA Tournament, a close loss with so much at stake is one that seems miles away.
Next … Just go for it
Ohio State without Kaleb Wesson can’t just sit back
I called for it before the game. Ohio State is not a half-court team without Kaleb Wesson because it doesn’t have anyone that can really take advantage of mistmatches and beat their man one-on-one. Without being able to run the offense through the post, this team is lost.
So why not just dial up the pressure and try to force the opponent into turnovers and try to get some transition baskets? Ohio State finally did that and the game began to turn. This should be the template going forward without Wesson, it’s just too bad it was too little too late in this one.
Next … Something to build on
There’s no moral victories but …
Maybe this game is a blueprint going forward. With or without Kaleb Wesson in the lineup, the team now has the benefit of knowing that it doesn’t have to fall victim to its best player being out of the lineup. Sure, everyone wearing scarlet and gray would rather have the big guy setting up on the blocks, but now a bit of an identity with the guard play started to emerge in this one.
And that’s a good thing because Wesson might fall into foul trouble again, or he might go against a matchup down low that gets the best of him. The moral of the story is to not forget about what happened late in this one and be able to pull it out of the back pocket again at the right time.
Next … The Big Ten Tournament
Time to win one or fall off the bubble
A win would have most likely punched the Buckeyes’ ticket to the NCAA Tournament. Now however, they are the very definition of a bubble team and a loss might just relegate Ohio State to the NIT.
Indiana is looking to make a case for the big dance as well and that just so happens to be the Buckeyes’ opponent in round one of the Big Ten Tournament. Thursday could very well be a preliminary game to decide who gets that last bid from the Big Ten into all the madness. It’s fun and entertaining, but not really. But hey, at least there’s a shot.
