It looks like Ohio State men’s basketball could have had a letdown against the visiting New Orleans Privateers down head coach Chris Holtmann and starting center Felix Okpara.
That didn’t happen, as the Buckeyes blew out New Orleans, posting a 78-36 win in front of a home crowd. The victory improves Ohio State’s season record to 10-2, as they have one more non-conference game before resuming the Big Ten schedule in the new year.
There was a lot to take away from this game, especially considering the Buckeyes were down two important pieces of this season’s team. Find out what we learned after Ohio State grabbed win No. 10 on the season.
The Buckeyes responded when they lost the lead in the first half
The Buckeyes ended that half on a 1️⃣7️⃣ – 2️⃣ run ‼️#Team125 | #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/Dt6rcZS4mt
— Ohio State Hoops 🌰 (@OhioStateHoops) December 21, 2023
What we learned
Ohio State didn’t trail until 5:49 left in the first half, 15-14, but didn’t get down. In fact, the Buckeyes responded in a big way, outscoring New Orleans 17-2 to close out the half. Jamison Battle hit a couple three’s assisted by Evan Mahaffey, with Dale Bonner and Bruce Thornton chipped in on the scoring effort also. Even though the Buckeyes started out slow, they finished strong to take a 14-point lead heading into the half.
Evan Mahaffey stepped up in a big way
An @EvanMahaffey5 slam fed by @Bruce2T_ to get us started off this half 💪#Team125 | #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/F2TRCv4C9z
— Ohio State Hoops 🌰 (@OhioStateHoops) December 22, 2023
What we learned
I keep having to eat my words about Mahaffey, as once again he played at a high level. Perfect from the field, making all four of his shots from the field for eight points. He also had six rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block for an impressive stat line. If Thornton is the engine, Mahaffey is the gas for this team. He might not ever light up the box score, but his contributions are massive for this team.
Bruce Thornton’s injury could be devastating for this team
Bruce Thornton went down. Got up but headed straight to the locker room. Not good news for the #Buckeyes.
— Patrick Murphy (@_Pat_Murphy) December 22, 2023
What we learned
The Ohio State point guard suffered a sprained ankle midway through the second half and the impact of this injury could be longer than just this game. Thornton is the engine of this team and losing him for an extend period of time is not something we want to see. The Big Ten grind returns in January, so hopefully the injury is not major.
Ohio State won with a team effort
Way downtown from Jamison Battle. 😤 @OhioStateHoops pic.twitter.com/82Z4Rqtxj8
— Ohio State on BTN (@OhioStateOnBTN) December 22, 2023
What we learned
Down their head coach and a starter, this was always going to be a team effort for the Buckeyes and that’s exactly what happened. Four OSU players landed in double-figures, led by Jamison Battle, who just missed a double-double by one rebound. Zed Key was extremely effective, shooting 6-for-8, making 4-of-5 free throws totaling 16 points. The senior added five rebounds as well, even though he battled foul trouble. Mahaffey was spotlighted already, and although Dale Bonner shot terribly, he did end up with 10 points and five rebounds. Great contributions from all over.
Jake Diebler showed he has what it takes to eventually be a head coach
What we learned
It would have been easy for the Buckeyes to fold and let a lesser New Orleans team hang around. They did early, but Diebler guided the team to a halftime lead, and then a 42-point win. We know that once Holtmann is healthy, he’ll be leading the bench, but it’s great to see that there are other capable coaches on the staff. I’m just postulating, but perhaps Diebler leaves to get some head coaching experience and returns when Holtmann moves on. It wouldn’t be the worst choice to replace the current Buckeye head coach.
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