It’s the Big Ten. The new guys have to be stronger
Chris Holtmann said Ohio State did some good things in this game but a lot to learn from the loss. He wanted the #Buckeyes to play more physical, especially in Big Ten play. Also mentioned more poise in the closing minutes of tonight’s game.
— Patrick Murphy (@_Pat_Murphy) December 17, 2020
A physical basketball game can also be known in other leagues as a foul fest gone awry. And while there’s some truth to that, this is the Big Ten and it’s the nature of the beast. You can either complain about it and let it affect your game, or soldier on, expect it and play through contact.
This was the first Big Ten game of the year, and Purdue was the more physical team. To their credit, guys like freshman Zed Key and transfer Justice Sueing haven’t experienced the grind of the Big Ten season, but their eyes were opened Wednesday night.
If this team is going to play stout defense, it also has to expect the game to be a brawny one on the offensive end of the court. It’s time to make that adjustment and be more physical going forward.