Tag: CBS Sports Classic

Ohio State won big again, this time on the national stage against a top ten Kentucky team in the CBS Sports Classic in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Buckeyes played an athletically gifted Wildcat team to a virtual stalemate at halftime, but once the second half began, the Buckeyes managed to lead from start to finish. It was a tight game throughout, but one in which Ohio State continued to make plays when it needed in order to keep the Wildcats arms’ length and, and salt away a big-time, resume-building win.

Kentucky head coach John Calipari met with the media after his team lost and had had high praise for Ohio State — even calling the Buckeyes one of the top teams in the country.

“We fought, we tried,” said Calipari. “Thank God we had Nate… Ohio State played their butts off. That’s a top 1,2, 3 team. That’s what they are.”

[lawrence-related id=19487]

Ohio State beats Kentucky: 3 Things we learned https://t.co/NE3OJuvLSm

— Buckeyes Wire (@BuckeyesWire) December 22, 2019

Calipari should know. He was impressed watching tape of the Buckeyes heading into the showdown on the strip, but he seems to be even more impressed after. He’s won a couple of national titles himself, and has had seen his fair share of top teams — national-title winning teams — both his and others throughout the years.

Now receiving praise and winning big things don’t always go hand in hand, but it’s clear to Calipari and others that this year’s Ohio State squad has the talent to make a deep run in March.

Ohio State is in a tight one against the Kentucky Wildcats and a play here or there is likely to make the difference in winning and losing. One of those plays might have just happened midway through the second half.

While trying to grab a little momentum in a fast-paced game, Duane Washington, Jr. missed a three-pointer that resulted in a long rebound to ignite a fast break by Kentucky’s Ashton Hagans.

It looked like an easy two, but Ohio State forward Andre Wesson channeled his inner LeBron James to come from behind and pin the ball high up on the glass for a block and keep Kentucky from a big, momentum-changing play.

Click on the below thanks to Fox College Hoops, watch, and feel like you’re soaring with Wesson.

Andre Wesson with the huge BLOCK for @OhioStateHoops 💪 pic.twitter.com/bd3ZHKCXhr

— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) December 22, 2019

It’s been a fun game to watch so far, but it’s been far from clean game. Ohio State and Kentucky got up and down the court and are both shooting 50 percent or better from the floor, but there’s also some sloppiness on both sides in the second game of the CBS Sports Classsic.

The turnover bug continues to make its way into a talented Buckeye squad, and has kept this game as tight as it is. Ohio State has nine turnovers in the first half that’s led to numerous scoring opportunities for the Wildcats.

For Kentucky, it has been lazy with defense — committing thirteen fouls and sending OSU to the free throw line twelve times. Ohio State has converted on ten of those for a big advantage.

The Buckeyes also lead in rebounds 17-11 to control the glass and cancel out somewhat the charitable work with ball security.

Kyle Young led all Buckeye scorers in the first half with ten points to make up for a Wildcat game plan that seems to be centered around stopping Kaleb Wesson in the post.

It’s all resulted in the Buckeyes leading the Wildcats by a razor thin 37-36 margin. This game will probably be won by whichever team can limit it’s biggest issue in the first half. It all depends on whether Ohio State can take care of the ball, or if Kentucky can quit sending the Buckeyes to the foul line.

Cut down on turnovers, limit Sestina from 3 and we win going away. #GoBucks

— Joey Lane (@JoeySmoke14) December 21, 2019

Saddle up for what should be a fun second half.