Ohio State
1-0, 0-0 Big Ten
Roster | Schedule
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November 24, 2008 8:00 PM ET - BTN —— The Schott Columbus, OH |
Bowling Green
3-1, 0-0 MAC
Roster | Schedule
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While we wait to see where the football Buckeyes will be playing come January, Thad's boys will help ease the wait time, taking on Bowling Green in their second game of the season tonight.
The Buckeyes easily took down Delaware State 70-42 on Thursday night, while the Falcons have 4 games under their belt already, including a 2-1 record in the NABC classic.
Ohio State only has a 3-2 record in this series, with a 59-50 defeat coming the last time these two teams faced off in 1994. The Buckeyes haven't beaten their instate rival since 1992.
| # | Name | PTS | REB | ASST | POS | # | Name | PTS | REB | ASST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Jeremie Simmons | 10.0 | 2.0 | 1.0 | G | 1 | Brian Moten | 15.3 | 2.8 | 1.8 |
| 33 | Jon Diebler | 9.0 | 4.0 | 3.0 | G | 14 | Joe Jakubowski | 12.3 | 3.3 | 3.8 |
| 23 | David Lighty | 13.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | F | 2 | Darryl Clements | 14.8 | 4.5 | 4.8 |
| 21 | Evan Turner | 8.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | F | 34 | Erik Marschall | 11.0 | 7.3 | 0.8 |
| 52 | Dallas Lauderdale | 7.0 | 1.0 | 0.00 | C | 50 | Marc Larson | 4.3 | 4.3 | 1.3 |
Opponent
Bowling Green is a veteran team, starting 2 seniors, 2 juniors and a sophomore. They've have beaten three cupcakes by an average of 18 points, but lost to Minnesota 68-61. In that loss, the Falcons shot only 35%, including 3-16 from downtown. They committed 14 turnovers, against 11 assists, but still managed to snag 9 steals, leading to 16 Gophers miscues.
BG will employ a 7 man rotation for the most part, with Nate Miller and Otis Polk factoring in. Polk may actually get the start over Larson, but since there isn't a MAC TV network, I have yet to catch the Falcons in action. You can take a look at BG's overall stats here, at the great Statsheet.com website.
As indication by the series record, for some reason Bowling Green seems to give OSU fits, but this team went 13-16 last year and needed an overtime buzzer beater to take down Georgia Southern in their first game. It will be up to the Falcons ball handlers and inside defense, as to how long they can stay in this game.
Buckeye Breakdown:
OSU will play their first game at the Schott, after taking a back seat to Reba on Thursday night and playing in their only game this season at St. John Arena. Delaware State was not a good team and the Falcons should bring a stronger test, but I thought the Buckeyes looked good in their first game and I don't see any reason why they should lose tonight.
Dallas Swatterdale had a strong opening game with 7 blocks and 7 points, besting the debut from BJ Mullens, who took only 2 shots en route to 7 points and 3 boards. These two are going to have a decisive height advantage tonight and need to assert that from the beginning. It will get then by against lesser opponents, but the Bucks are going to need more than 14 points and 4 rebounds a game from this duo.
While the stat sheet doesn't display it, Jeremie Simmons and Anthony Crater played well in their debuts, seeing split time at the point and displaying two different styles of play. Simmons surprised me with his stroke from outside. He made 3-6 and none of those attempts were forced or early in a possession. He only registered 1 assist, but didn't have a turnover and displayed a veteran knowledge of the offense.
Crater reminds me a bit of Conley. He isn't quite the scorer yet, but his quickness saved a few loose balls, harassed the top of the zone and moved the ball around with great crispness. You can tell he is a true unselfish point guard, an aspect OSU missed last year.
William Buford looks to be the best freshman on this team, leading the Bucks with 13 points off the bench. He showed an ability to score from inside or out and might be more of a one year risk than Mullins. Lighty and Turner played as expected, scoring 13 and 8 respectively, while combining for 4 rebounds, 5 steals and 6 assists.
Surprisingly, Diebler lead the team in minutes, with 28 and nailed 3 of 7 from beyond the arc, to finish with 9. He still didn't drive the ball too often, but it is one step towards redemption for last season.
Etc
- OSU is 48-12 all-time against the MAC.
- The Buckeyes have won 51 straight games in Columbus against unranked opponents.
- Gus Johnson and Jim Jackson will call the game tonight. Johnson was signed in the off season and is one of the best in the business.
Comments
I was going to try and make a point to get more into basketball season this year....but all the games, at least so far, are on BTN, and in NY here, we dont get it....looks like a long 50 days till bowl season......
Ski-
I think the BTN is streaming most of the games, or at least will have them archived on their site. I know the live streams have had their problems, but Thad and the boys need all the support they can get. This team is going to surprise many people across the nation.
Any word on if the game is truly at 8 tonight? Last thursday I wanted to watch their game and the schedule said 8:00-8:30. When I flipped it over there was 4 minutes left in the game. Wasnt impressed with BTN at that point in time.
8PM ET it is:
http://bigtennetwork.com/sched...
It might be the continuation of the buzz from Saturday, but I'm really excited to watch the Bucks tonight. I have no real interest in watching the Saints try and play football.
Here's hoping BJ can get acclimated to playing in the Big Ten quickly. I share your worries about him, Corey. I didn't before, but the Delaware State game worried me. Dallas looks big and nasty.
Great write up, Corey!
Awesome....a bit choppy on the streams, but something to watch between hands of poker
Nobody wants to watch the Saints play football
If you wanted to, and I have no idea why anyone would want to, Minnesota's game against BGSU should be archived somewhere on the Big Ten Network website. Watch out for the floppy haired dude.
What does anyone think about starting both Crater and Simmons. I would rather see Diebler come off the bench. It may put less pressure on him to produce and since he doesnt like to drive to the basket I think he would be better served as a spot shooter. They could have Crater bring it up. Simmons could play shooting guard since thats what he likes. Have Evan in there as a 3 and let him create his own. Lighty is a defensive beast. I think going small and playing fast will be our greatest weapon this year. I didnt get to see enough of Mullens watching the last 4 minutes.
I wouldn't be opposed considering I view Diebler as a defensive liability plus Simmons is probably better or at least just as good at the offensive end of the floor. I think the rub is that, at least to start with, Matta wants to use Simmons to push Crater to get better. Being challenged for minutes, as opposed to getting them by default, might be better for Crater's long term success. I also think Matta knows how fragile Diebler's psyche is so he's going to tread very carefully. In the end, there might even be a greater chance that Buford starts for Diebler and Crater continues to back up Simmons at the point.
That actually wouldnt surprise since Buford caught fire in the second half scoring 15 points. I guess he did very well creating for himself. Thats good to hear. The school I graduated from had to go up against him last year in the playoffs and he had his way with them I guess. Kind of hard for any of our guys to slow him down when we have no one near his level of talent.
*That actually wouldnt surprise me* that is what was supposed to be there. I really need to start reading what I write before I submit.
Buford is smooth. Seems to get off a lot of shots without forcing them. I saw him a few times in high school (tournament games on tv) and in the practice and first game this season so I haven't seen a lot of him but I love his game. He's a throwback in that he'll actually pull up for a midrange jumper instead of most players that have no in between - they either drive all the way or launch threes.
Is he related to Set Shot Buford?
Did they not announce the Butkus finalists? No way JL didn't make finalist for that.
Butkus has not been announced, but he is a finalist for the Bednarik, nations best defensive player (along with Aaron Maybin, PSU and Maualuga....we made them both look pretty good).
Jenkins is a finalist for the Thorpe........Vontae Davis did not make the final list.
Unfortunately, I think Berry takes the Thorpe and Maualuga snags the Bednarik.
I don't think Rey winning would be wrong, but I don't buy into Berry winning. I don't buy into defensive players that put up big stats on shitty teams, because the defense is always on the field, and they typically are getting rolled. It's why Brit Miller leads the Big 10 in tackles; he's always on the field and RBs are always making it past the Illini D-line. I could be wrong but I think Berry also plays safety, which puts him in better position to get picks because he can roam the field. Jenkins side of the field is rarely thrown to and he has to stay with his man and cannot roam. I hope Jenkins gets the Thorpe, he deserves it.
I see what you are saying Matt, but Berry is the best in the country. Its not about stats, have you seen this kid play? He is a beast
Big Ten Network is fellatiating State Penn.
Either my eyes are deceiving me or Diebler is playing well. Actually looking for something other than a three. Very nice.
What offense are we running?
Halftime............and Thad is not happy.
jenkins is a much better pro then berry anyday
chris the ghost can play. you might be surprised now that butler is gone we'll see him get some good looks.
This is my first time seeing Buford play. Kid can ball.
Is there not over the back in college basketball? Wow.
THREEBLER!
Still don't know what we run on the offensive end.
3 minutes left, 7 point game, Mullins and Buford on the bench. Wonder if Thad is thinking that we need all the wins we can get to make the dance.
Good thing we have the 2nd coming of Ken Johnson swatting balls.
The nice thing about Diebler is that he's going to be in Columbus for four years. Burson Lite?
Tampa,
Diebler definitely played a nice game tonight. I loved him driving the ball instead of sitting out there launching threes. I hope he continues to surprise me.
I don't know about Burson-lite...that little dude could create his own shot anywhere on the court. Still, nice to see him play with confidence. He's got 5 reb and 3 asst, too...
I don't know if anyone else has already covered this, but black unis for a university named Bowling Green? I don't get it.
Thad doesn't run an offense. Last year was proof of that. This team will be much better in a couple months.
The Bucks stalled once they stopped driving and going to the bucket, relying more on the three. Good win though, don't need any upsets this early.