When a team loses experience and scoring power in the backcourt as Ohio State did this off-season with the departures of Duane Washington Jr and C.J. Walker, some growing pains can be expected. The No. 17 Buckeyes experienced just that as they eeked out a win over Akron on Tuesday evening on a last-second bucket. Chris Holtmann’s squad should have an easier go of it when they host Niagara Friday night at the Schott.
Malaki Branham looks like a star in the making. Holtmann showed trust in the true freshman who didn’t start the game but had the ball in his hands in the final seconds before finding an open Zed Key for the game-winner. I mean, if you’re going to ask to wear Jimmy Jackson’s No. 22 after it’s been hanging in the rafters for the past 20 years… well, let’s just say, the kid believes in himself. And that’s a good thing.
On to the Purple Eagles for a Friday night tilt.
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