And, here we go. It seems like each and every game has been billed a “must-win” for the better part of the last month, but no, we really mean it this time if we’re talking about Ohio State getting into all the March Madness debauchery.
Most bracket projections have the Buckeyes and Hoosiers either just in the tournament, or just out, so it’s almost imperative that Ohio State wins to knock back a late surging bubble colleague here and add another Quad 2 win to its resume.
We’ve already previewed the game, complete with prediction, but here’s three keys to a victory in the Windy City.
Next … The Kaleb Wesson factor
Don’t rely too much on Kaleb Wesson
In case you’ve been out of the country over the past few days, I’ll relay the PSA that let us all know that Kaleb Wesson will return to the Buckeye lineup after a three-game suspension. And while that’s great news on the surface, Ohio State would be wise to tread lightly here.
All is not roses and chocolates with the big-man’s return. His conditioning could be a factor, and he’s bound to be rusty. You don’t simply take part in conditioning drills and remain as sharp or as conditioned as being in the midst of real, live Big Ten battles.
The Buckeyes must use Wesson, but they also need to have a mindset of making plays on the perimeter like what we saw against Wisconsin late in the game Sunday. He’s a part of the team, not the team. Hopefully he’s effective, but hopefully those around him still attack and don’t become spectators.
Next … Turnovers can kill
Limit the turnovers
This isn’t new for this team. In games in which Ohio State has taken care of the ball, it has been more or less successful. However, in games where the team has been more charitable than the late Mother Teresa, things have not gone well on the scoreboard.
Indiana won’t use a ton of organized press packages, but it will put ball pressure at the point of attack. Whether it be C.J. Jackson or one of the other guards, they have to remain strong with the ball and get into the offense without committing too many mistakes.
This has a chance to be a very tight ballgame, and it could come down to a possession or two, which means a turnover or two could decide this game.
Next … Don’t panic on offense
Good shots equals a greater shooting percentage
Another troubling trend with this team is an extremely poor shooting percentage, especially as Kaleb Wesson has been sitting in time-out for athletic department transgressions. So how do you combat that?
By running the offense and getting good shots. Far too often, the guards have taken upon themselves to try and make too much happen by dribbling too much, then hoisting up a forced opportunity. The guards are indeed important, but the effort has to come with penetration and purpose as opposed to one-on-one desperation.
Chris Holtmann is known as a very good x’s and o’s type of coach, so you know there are things in the playbook that will work. The problem comes when the players start to freelance and go off the page. You trust your good players to do that from time to time, but this year’s squad doesn’t have the personnel to create too many mismatches to get that done.
Patience and opportunity is the name of the game here.
