Hunter's 17 pts, 14 boards were season highs (AP: Wade Payne)
In a game of runs, Tennessee had the biggest as they unleashed a 25-6 haymaker over a span of 9 minutes to turn a 49-43 hole into a 68-55 lead before holding on to capture a 74-69 decision over Ohio State this afternoon in Thompson-Boling Arena.
Showing no quit, the Buckeyes responded with a frantic 14-4 run behind Evan Turner and Othello Hunter to close to 72-69 with 1:52 left but the Buckeyes wouldn't score again missing 3 threes, including 2 by 'Arctic Jon' Diebler, en route to their 3rd straight loss. The losing streak is tied for the longest in the Thad Matta era.
Once again, OSU started out in zombie mode with 5 turnovers in their first 10 possessions spotting the Vols a 12-2 run and a 16-6 lead before finally settling in led by Turner and Hunter.
The duo combined for 18 points and 16 rebounds willing the cold shooting Buckeyes to trail just 33-28 at intermission. Hunter's inspired play included 3 blocks and 2 delicious dimes to give the Bucks a jolt of confidence while Turner compensated for Koufos' early disappearing act with 10 rebounds on his way to a career high of 13 (depending on whether you believe the box score or the play-by-play).
Despite trailing throughout the half, the Buckeyes didn't resort to launching nothing but threes (0/7), instead using penetration and backcutting to cash in at the free throw line, hitting 12 of 14.
Just like the loss to Sparty on Tuesday, the Buckeyes started the second half on fire posting an 18-6 run fueled by 10 points from some kid named Kosta Koufos to take a 46-39 lead at the 15:54 mark before Tennessee's aforementioned 25-6 blitz. Koufos scored all 13 of his points in the final 20 minutes continuing his season long inconsistent and soft performance.
The double-doubles by Hunter (17pt, 14reb) and Turner (21pt, 13reb) were complemented by Koufos' 13 and a 10 point, 5 rebound effort from David Lighty. The balanced scoring from the starters was sorely needed as Jamar Butler was held to just 8 points (2/10 FG, 1/7 3FG) although he dished out 7 dimes.
As for the OSU bench (basically Turd and Diebs), they were held was to zero points and 4 rebounds while the Vol bench racked up 26 points, 17 boards and 13 assists. Diebler's 0'fer was his second in three games pushing his cold shooting streak to 2/24 in the last 4 games. The kid is known to be notoriously streaky but you have to wonder if Matta will soon change his sub pattern giving Wallace a shot and/or more minutes to PJ Hill.
Although a loss is a loss, there were some positives in today's tilt. For one, Turner showed again that he's bound for stardom. He has stat-stuffer ability committing just 2 turnovers along with 10 boards. Look out once he fully matures and expands his basketball IQ.
I was also impressed with the Buckeyes' ability to keep it close in the face of a 2/20 effort from long range. They made a point of looking to drive creating 22 FTA's building on the 16 and 24 trips earned against Sparty and the Boilers.
Ohio State will look to get back on track Tuesday night against the Fighting Illini, whom OSU defeated 74-58 kicking off the conference slate back on January 3rd.
Comments
I had to check to make sure, but Turner apparently had 2 turnovers to go with his 10rebs. Still remarkable considering what else he did on the court, and the improvement he demonstrated. http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/... . I got giddy for a second thinking that Turner-over would lose his moniker.
the rebounds are arguable based on play by play showing 13 but I definitely erred on the TO's...still a great freshman performance...
how 'bout Lofton falling off this year? what gives? he was sick last year
Ohio State's bench was outscored 26-0? Please.
Evan Turner's really coming along, but Koufos is looking more and more pedestrian as the season progresses. He needs a big man to handle the physical requirements inside so he's free to play face-up to the basket (Mullen next year, I suppose, presuming Mullen's ready to come in and contribute). Diebler should be benched, and brought in only to spell Hill. I'd definitely start P.J. over Diebler.
There wasn't a lot Butler could do tonight, with Tennessee scheming to take him away. He failed to hit his shots, but played hard, as usual.
Great crowd tonight, minus some typical drunken boorishness. Had some pretty decent barbecue down near campus after the game. Note: Don't go anywhere around East Knoxville without a flak jacket and a helmet. The place makes Pearl Alley look like the Champs Elysees.
I should note that Diebler looks even slower of foot in person than he does on television. If that scares you, it should.
I corrected Turner's turnover count...you know how we do it.
I know Matta is a bad-azz coach, but can someone tell Terwill-i-can't-stay-on-my-feet-if-my-life-depended-on-it to quit jumping at EVERY SINGLE PUMP FAKE that he is givin? I mean good lord son, your damn near 7-foot tall, just put your GD hands up! Not only that, but it seems he is starting to fall in love with his 3-pt shot. Again, YOU'RE 7-FT TALL, get in the PAINT!
I am not sure what he is giving us, that Dallas can't....maybe another 3-pt shooter (like we don't have enough of those already)
What was up with Othello "the dream" Hunter? That was a great performance to say the least. If Turner continues to build off of that game he might be guarding Michael Redd next year. I have to admit his agressiveness scares me at times, but at least he isn't afraid to attack the rim. He's going to be a handful for defenses the rest of the way.
Thad really is rad. The effort and development of the team is pretty impressive. If they could hit a timely 3 every once in a while they would be able to pull off an upset or two. I don't think it's good to heavily rely on 3's every game, but if someone other than Butler can't hit a couple clutch ones against the tougher competition it's going to be difficult to win come March. I think Diebler will still be okay, but mainly b/c I trust the coaches. There is always a fine line between keeping a shooter's confidence up and letting him clank a game away.