Eleven Warriors

Ohio State 5-3, 0-0 Big Ten Roster | Schedule

December 16, 2007 12:00 PM ET ------ The Schott Columbus, Oh.

Pres. College 1-10, Indep. Roster | Schedule

Opponents: Presbyterian College (PC) is playing their first season as a Division I program and is in the midst of an eleven game road trip. PC is not good at 1-10, but I'm sure they will pose a stiff test for the struggling Buckeyes. The Blue Hose, yes that's right the Blue Hose, come in scoring 58.4 points a game and shoot only 41 percent from the floor, with almost half of their shots coming from behind the arc (264 of 549 attempts).

Key Players: PC has three players averaging in double figures and 9 players who play more than 10 minutes a game. Pat Kiscaden (#25 6'3" Sr.) leads the team with 10.6 points, but doesn't do much else. Brian Bostic (#23 6'3" Sr.) and Al'Lonzo Coleman (#34 6'7" Fr.) are right behind him at 10.5 and 10.1 respectively. Coleman also leads the team in rebounds, steals, blocks, FG's and FT's made.

Travis Sligh (#42 6'4" Jr.) and Josh Johnson (#22 6'3" Fr.) are the only other players who chip in with more than 5 a game.

Notes: PC is located in Clinton, SC and has an enrollment of 1200 students... It cost 33,930 dollars to attend PC for a year... PC is coached by Gregg Nibbert, who has compiled a 328-216 record in his 18 seasons.

Buckeye Breakdown: By Saturday at noon, our eyes should be recovered from the bleeding we endured on Monday night. This season has been hard to stomach and any type of struggle against PC will send the Schott's older crowd heading for the exits earlier than their normal eight minute mark.

Sadly, the Buckeyes come in with similar shooting numbers, scoring 65.4 points and shooting only 42.6 percent per contest. Ohio State continues to get out hustled, rebounded and pushed around. I was bummed we didn't see any man to man defense last game. In Thad's first three years, OSU's in-your-grill defense was a catalyst for the offensive end and I think the match up zone doesn't channel enough intensity. Ohio State used the 3/4 court press after made buckets, but even that had limited effectiveness.

Key Players: The lone bright spot in Monday's scoring was Evan Turner, who made the most of his first start, by scoring 13 points and recording five turnovers. He looked confident shooting the ball, but was a bit careless with the rock. Jamar Butler once again scored all of his point from 3point land and didn't even attempt a 2 point shot. I know Jamar is a quiet leader, however he has to start penetrating more and needs to increase his vocal communication.

David Lighty has now fallen below the 10 point average after his four point performance against Coppin St. Kosta Koufos was benched for the last 12+ minutes of the game for being soft inside. He and Othello Hunter combined for a mere 14 points and 5 rebounds (none by Koufos) against a team that played no one over 6'7".

Surprisingly, Ohio State's other newbies have struggled to get going. P.J. Hill provided a spark last game in his first extended time, but Jon Diebler continues his shooting woes, while Dallas Lauderdale and Eric Wallace simply aren't playing much.

Ohio State has to seize their opportunity Saturday to calm the mild panic going on in Buckeye Nation, but Thad is still the coach and he will work endlessly to make sure this team makes the tournament. I just want a few players to step up, so I can have something to write about before the Cleveland State game.

Notes: Walter Outfitt, a guard recruit for the 2008 season, suffered a season ending knee injury. This is the second time he torn knee ligaments, getting injured his sophomore season... Ohio State has failed to score 60 points in 4 of their last 5 games