Ohio State forward Kyle Young is having the game of his college career — literally — and there’s only been one half of play. He has led the way to a 49-31 halftime advantage for the Buckeyes. The OSU senior has been guarded by bigger guys that haven’t gone with him on the perimeter, and he’s made the Boilermakers pay. He is 7-of-9 from the floor and 4-for-4 from beyond the arc for a career-high 18 points through the first twenty minutes.
Young isn’t the only one having a big half. Duane Washington has also benefitted from Young’s hot shooting, getting less attention than normal. He’s also splashed in some buckets and is in double figures with 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting, including 3-of-5 from 3-point range. The result has been an offensive explosion against a Purdue team that is generally hard to score against.
It hasn’t just been offense for Ohio State. It has played outstanding defense, holding Purdue to just 39.3% from the floor. It’s been a scrambling, physical effort in the post that has held Boilermaker big man Trevion Williams to just four points on 2-of-7 shooting.
Came out swingin' 😤#Team122 #GoBuckeyes pic.twitter.com/PhuvcyZD6O
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) March 12, 2021
Ohio State is also winning the turnover and rebounding battle. It’s been a clinic so far for the Buckeyes, but games are never one in just one half of play. You can bank on Purdue coming out with a lot of emotion in the second half, so the Buckeyes will need to stay just as sharp and aggressive.
We’re also guessing someone will start guarding Kyle Young.
Ohio State basketball’s complete history in the Big Ten Tournament
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