What we saw from the Ohio State basketball team is more of what we witnessed during the lengthy conference winning streak the team was on. The Buckeyes jumped all over Minnesota early, scoring the first eleven points of the game, then used played the Gophers even the rest of the way to lead 39-27 at halftime.
There’s been much more of an open flow to the game than what we saw during the four game losing streak. Guys are finding each other, getting out in the open court because of good defense, and finishing strong with good looks.
E.J. Liddell leads Ohio State with eight points on 3-of-8 shooting, but the rest of the scoring is spread out pretty evenly with Justice Sueing, Duane Washington, and Kyle Young all chipping in seven points apiece. All told, eight Buckeyes have scored a bucket in the first half.
For Minnesota, it’s been a struggle to knock shots down. A lot of that has to do with an active OSU defense, but it also looked like the Gophers came out a little flat after a hard battle just one night ago vs. Northwestern. They shot much better later in the second half, but were challenged early to score. Eight turnovers haven’t helped matters for Minnesota.
Quick breather, then back at it!#Team122 #GoBuckeyes pic.twitter.com/pbBBCAjvy4
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) March 11, 2021
Ohio State might be up by twelve, but this game is far from over. The Gophers are playing for their postseason lives and will come out looking to make a run and tighten the game up early in the second half.
Ohio State basketball’s complete history in the Big Ten Tournament
Get ready for March Madness by registering in advance for USA TODAY Sports’ bracket sweepstakes. In the meantime, mobile users can play USA TODAY Sports’ Couchketball virtual hoops challenge – the interactive basketball game where your skills determine the outcome.
Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion.