Cold Shooting Dooms Buckeyes Once Again
Let me start by saying the crowd tonight was the best I’ve seen since the team moved to the Schott. The student section had a nice Block O rolling and even the old timers stood and/or got rowdy throughout the game. The game also marked the unveiling of the new electronic scorer’s table (providing constant stats updates) and the new lighting accompanying the announcement of the starting lineups. Props to OSU for the renovations.
The game itself looked winnable early as John Diebler appeared to break out of his season long shooting slump connecting on 4 first half threes, including a bank job at the buzzer to give OSU a 32-29 lead going into the locker room.
Things looked even brighter as Kosta Koufos made a guest appearance hitting a jumper to put OSU up 39-37 at the 16:24 mark but the Buckeyes missed their next 17 FG attempts allowing UNC to take a 57-43 lead with just over 5 minutes remaining. To their credit, OSU responded with an 8-0 run to draw to 57-51 with 4 minutes left but couldn’t get over the hump as the Tar Heels bullied the Buckeyes inside before the final buzzer sounded on a 66-55 loss.
The dreadful shooting night (19/70, 27%) wasn’t helped by the fact OSU hoisted 33 treys, 3 shy of the all-time team record set against Florida A&M in January 2006. Of course, they didn’t have much choice considering the floudering offensive efforts of bigs Koufos, Othello Hunter and Mark Turdwiggler. Yes, Da Turd has officially earned his nickname back after killing OSU tonight and last week against Texas A&M. He went 0-4 from the field including a freshman like decision to launch a three pointer with over 25 seconds left on the shot clock out of a timeout with OSU trailing 47-40. I refuse to believe that’s what Matta had in mind for such a critical possession.
Wiggler was not alone as Koufos looked scared to challenge Tyler Hansbrough down low. He made a couple nice post moves but really never took the ball strong against Hansbrough instead settling for finesse hooks and turnaround jumpers. The kid has loads of talent but he’s gotta toughen up and give OSU a lift at the offensive end to take some pressure off Jamar Butler. Koufos finished 1-10 from the floor and grabbed just 3 rebounds in 27 minutes.
Hunter was also a ghost at the offensive end scoring only 5 points but he did have a solid night defensively grabbing 10 rebounds and set a career high with 6 blocks. Though David Lighty (9) and Butler (8) tried to help on the glass, UNC dominated the boards 54-38 including 15 offensive caroms.
The stagnant offensive sets remain a concern. With Koufos neutralized and Hunter failing to deliver consistent post offense, the Tar Heels applied constant ball pressure on the perimeter taking away back cuts forcing long threes or the occasional dribble drive. So, while missing 17 shots in a row is a bit unlucky, it can’t be overlooked that the type of shots they’re taking is certainly influencing the FG droughts.
Even with all my bitterness, it should be noted the young Buckeyes did hang tough with the #1 team in the land for more than a half and it was nice to see Diebler get off the snide going 7-16 from the floor, good for a team high 19 points. Unfortunately, the schedule doesn’t give OSU much time to recover with a tough road test at Butler set for Saturday night.
11 Responses
About what I expected. We hung around for 30 min. or so but our shooting killed us again. Might want to look inside a little more when we start missing shots.
TLB - November 29th, 2007 at 8:58 am - #
I think OSU had their fair share of shots on the inside, but they keep fading away every time! I agree TLB, they do have to look inside more, but Ohio State’s bigs have to bring it. 0 points from the bench.
Props to all students and Ohio State. That atmosphere last night gets me pumped for this season and beyond, that is what a home court advantage is all about and of course it was the Buckeyes first lost at home in the last 27.
Corey - November 29th, 2007 at 9:07 am - #
We can only hope that Diebler continues to shoot from behind the ark like that….because if Koufos and Diebler are both on in the same night….look out!
Wil - November 29th, 2007 at 9:50 am - #
By far the most frustrating basketball I have watched in a long time. Seemed like every break broke for NC over that 10 minute stretch.
Butler is going to be even harder to win than this game, I’m afraid.
Brian E. - November 29th, 2007 at 9:57 am - #
Observations from the front of student section:
Intros were badass compared to last year. The lights went out and the place went nuts. Hopefully they do that every game. New score table is sweet. Also I heard from someone that works there that they are looking into getting a new video board from the Q. There were a few deuschbag OSU students who sported NC and Duke gear in the student section. Made me irate. Bandwagon kids with no allegiance to those schools but they GO TO OSU!!! Come on! How can you root against OSU when you go to school here! They need to get their priorities straight. Also got to high five Dickie V baby! haha. Also anyway to post pics on here? Got some sweet ones. AND Ive got a great nickname for Diebler. Threebler!
cl - November 29th, 2007 at 11:04 am - #
CL, we’d love to have pics. Email them to contact [at] eleven warriors . com and we’ll share them.
Jason - November 29th, 2007 at 11:38 am - #
Nice nickname for Diebler. I was gonna start calling him “Alfalfa With A Jumpshot”, but Threebler just rolls of the tongue similar to Turdwiggler.
Chris - November 29th, 2007 at 12:47 pm - #
DIEBLER/KOUFOS NEED CONFIDENCE. I feel one they get it, they can play inside/ouside game and Deibs can begin to bury teams with the 3 ball, saw a bit of that in the nc game. No need to worry, once Diebs gets hot it will take pressure off of butler and the bucks will roll. I believe this team will get hot as the season progresses, and MATTA is the MAN.
LOVE THE THREEBLER!!–hes is going ot be an OSU LEGEND!
tch - November 30th, 2007 at 12:07 pm - #
I hate my nickname. I’m in favor of “The Ghost”
Threebler - November 30th, 2007 at 9:57 pm - #
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