Preview: Ohio State at Northwestern
Turner leads the PG-less Bucks with 3.3 APG
 Ohio State 17-6, 7-5 Big Ten Roster | Schedule |
February 18, 2009 9:00 PM ET – BTN —— Welsh-Ryan Arena Evanston, IL |
 Northwestern 13-10, 4-8 Big Ten Roster | Schedule |
Ohio State looks to bounce back from a sloppy 55-50 loss at Wisconsin as they travel to Evanston to take on Northwestern.
The Buckeyes have won 11 straight over the purple team though they are just 43-40 lifetime in Evanston. Thad Matta is a perfect 7-0 against the ‘Cats including a pair of double digit wins last season that featured strong performances from Evan Turner and Jon Diebler. Yes, I said Jon Diebler.
Northwestern comes in losers of three straight albeit by a combined nine points. The Wildcats dropped a 70-67 overtime decision against Michigan on Sunday after a heartbreaking 60-59 loss at home to Illinois and a 56-51 defeat at the beaks of the Hawkeyes.
I fully expect a Buckeye victory but you can bet the Wildcats will give OSU their best shot at home trying to stop a three game slide.
| # | Name | PTS | REB | ASST | POS | # | Name | PTS | REB | ASST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Jeremie Simmons | 7.4 | 1.6 | 2.8 | G | 22 | Michael Thompson | 10.0 | 2.2 | 3.9 |
| 33 | Jon Diebler | 10.6 | 3.3 | 2.7 | G | 20 | Craig Moore | 14.6 | 3.3 | 2.7 |
| 21 | Evan Turner | 17.3 | 7.4 | 3.3 | F | 44 | Kevin Coble | 15.5 | 4.8 | 2.4 |
| 44 | William Buford | 11.8 | 3.3 | 1.1 | F | 24 | John Shurna | 7.7 | 3.0 | 1.2 |
| 52 | Dallas Invisi-dale | 5.0 | 4.0 | 0.3 | C | 54 | Kyle Rowley | 3.8 | 1.8 | 0.7 |
Opponent
Northwestern isn’t the second coming of Loyola Marymount to be sure but they aren’t the same slow it down team you daddy thinks of anymore either. The ‘Cats sit right in the middle of the conference pack in points per game (61.8) and they’re third in 3pt FG% (38.6%) however they are dead last in 3pt FG% defense as well as offensive and defensive rebounding.
The good news for Bill Carmody is he’s likely to have 6′11″ freshman center Luka Mirkovic back from a one game stint on the toilet. Mirkovic set career highs in points (14), rebounds (12) and assists (4) in the loss to Illinois before sitting out the Michigan loss due to illness.
The return of Mirkovic is a plus but the key to Northwestern’s success hinges on the play of their big three comprised of Kevin Coble, Craig Moore and Michael Thompson.
All three players log 33+ minutes per game with Coble serving as the most valuable Wildcat though he’s struggled from the floor the last two outings hitting just 10/30 shots. Moore has also been ice cold (5/18) the last two games after scoring double figures in eight consecutive contests.
Thompson is hasn’t seen double figures in the last five games but both he and Moore are shooting 41% from deep on the season so it will be key for OSU to find those two in the match up zone.
Buckeye Breakdown:
The Buckeyes come in vying for their eighth conference win but they’ll have to fare better at valuing the ball and hitting the glass than they did against Wisconsin to escape with the W. Ohio State committed a greasy 19 turnovers in Madison and though it was a different roster, they turned it over 20 and 18 times respectively in the two wins over Northwestern last season. If the Wildcats control the tempo possessions will be at a premium increasing the need for OSU to avoid sloppy miscues.
Since I brought up last year, it’s worth pointing out Turner lit up the ‘Cats in ‘08 hitting 10/15 shots in two games with 10 points, eight boards and seven assists in the second game while Diebler connected on 7/15 triple tries and 24 total points. Considering Northwestern’s overall lack of athleticism, this could be a game in which Deebs actually gets off a shot without the aid of five screens. I expect he’ll get loose for about four triples in this one.
Considering Northwestern’s troubles on the glass, we could also see bounce back performances from either Dallas Invisidale or B.J. Mullens. Excepting the five turnovers, Mullens has been decent averaging 11.3 points and seven boards in his last three outings but Invisidale has stunk it up averaging a feminine 2.0 points and 2.2 rebounds in his last six games. If Dallas doesn’t pick it up soon, one has to wonder if Mullens could supplant him as the starter.
Speaking of who should start, P.J. Hill is getting some run in the comments though he’s got more turnovers than assists (14 to 12) in his last eight games. His numbers are slightly favorable to that ratio in the last three games (9 Asst, 7 TO). Over the same stretches, Jeremie Simmons has 20 dimes and 15 turnovers in his last eight games but in his last three he’s reversed course with exactly zero assists against five turnovers.
So, as I said in slightly less pretty words via the comments Monday, Hill might have the edge lately but comparing the two is a painful exercise in futility. I’d almost rather play with four. If either of these two can simply not hurt the cause tonight that would go a long way in aiding a victory because you can bet Northwestern will force OSU to execute in the half court.
When it’s all said and done, I expect Ohio State to come away with a 68-62 victory.
Etc
- I’m still baffled as to why folks jump on Turner. Sure his untimely turnovers – or high amount of turnovers in general – are as irritating as your DVR cutting off the last minute of The Office but keep in mind he’s one of only nine D-1 players in the country leading his team in points, rebounds, assists and steals per game. Just for kicks, he’s also leading the team in minutes played, field goals and free throws made, as well as total offensive and defensive rebounds. That, my friends, is good enough for a free pass on turnovers if you ask me. It should also be good enough for Big Ten POY honors but I have a feeling Kalin Lucas might swoop in as the best player on the best team.
- In conference play, Wil Buford leads all freshman with a 14.5 points per game average.
- Also in conference play, B.J. Mullens leads in field goal percentage at 70.9%.
- Your ears will get a welcome break tonight as Jim Jackson will not be the color commentator. Instead, Steve Smith will rock the mic along with Tom Hamilton.
steve smith – worst member ever of a “dream team”?
and yes, i realize the only actual dream team was the 1992 squad.
NO way. How about Christian Laettner? Worthless.
My ears will not get a break because I can’t stand Tom Hamilton.
Game worries me a little because this is the kind of well coached team that can frustrate our young guys.
OSU plays down to the level of competition at times… gotta lay the smack down early and keep the pressure on!!
jim jackson:color commentary::isiah thomas:coach/gm
This is not the team that will allow us to get down early and make a comeback late in the game ala Indiana. Of course, not having some kid hit 80 three pointers might help also. And NW did let Illinois comeback and win just the other night, so I guess this entire comment idea is a lost cause. I’ll shut up now.
I don’t know what you guys are talking about JJ is awesome!
Have to win on the road at some point. Why not this one?
Worst Dream Teamer ever has to be Vin Baker, who was on the 2000 Olympic Team.
Should I look for someone in the stands tonight sportin’ 11W bling?
I will be there. We’re in row E right behind the Buckeye bench, so I should be about 10′ behind Matta and I’ll be rocking the “P.J. Hill for President” t-shirt.
Take a sharpie. Sounds like a future game worn autographed guess the score prize.
PJ Hill 2012? Where can I get one of those?
Buckeyes 136
Nerds 15
You think they’ll get to 15?
No respect for NW? I’ve seen them play twice and they play the game the right way. It will be a long night if we don’t guard the 3 point line. That is the key to the game guard the 3. That and clear outs for PJ.
I believe they call it ’sarcasm’.
I believe that was a “dead-on” call by tampabuckeye. It sucks I know more about the game than this team seems to know. They gave up 44 points to NW in the second half because they couldn’t defend the 3.
Chris why can’t you give PJ Hill his props? Are you afraid to eat your words? Even the guys calling the game give him respect. Jump on the bandwagon and quit hatin’.
ooops…accidentally responded below instead of directly underneath. To be clear, I think I have given him props when I felt props were due. I’m not afraid to eat crow. I’m sure I’ve done it many times on the site because the fact is we offer opinions and those aren’t going to be right 100% of the time. Problem is, I’m just not as enamored with a 1.6 ppg scorer sporting a 1.1/1.0 asst/to ratio as you are. While I’m being honest, your constant overhyping of a below average player by arguing subjective things like his tough defense almost makes me wish he’d transfer. That said, we’re stuck with him so I hope he continues to improve until a real PG can be recruited. He’s definitely going to be an important player tonight – OSU cannot turn the ball over 19 times and win this game so I’m PJ’s biggest fan if he can play an error free game.
On a scale of 1-10, how gay is it that I’m missing the first half of this game for Lost?
I’ll wager Godzillabillion
Please take your hate speech elsewhere. Thanks.
Didn’t you hear? Pogue is taking it elsewhere. He’s a full-fledged Wolverine these days.
Huh?
I didn’t use the term negatively. Checkmate.
i’m not trying to hate. I just think Hill is far from a legit D-1 point guard. Being the best or second best PG on this roster is far from impressive to me.
I concur, he is painful to watch.
The turnovers he’s had in key spots are the reasons he didn’t start off playing d1 ball to start his career
Hill would be an average MAC point guard.
First off The MAC has good basketball so that is not really an insult. Hill isn’t the reason they lost.
I think there is a middle ground between the two views of Hill being expressed here. I am not as critical as some, but anyone that thinks he is anything better than “a little below average” is getting caught up in his awesome hustle. We as fans always love the players that play hard and hustle all the time, and as a result, we end up inflating the value these less-talented players provide a team.
Fellow reds fans might understand this “freel effect” … all fans loved the dude, but in the end, he is one of the reasons why they were always a last place team.
The Freel Effect…good stuff.
Gonna need all the 3’s from Diebler we can get tonight.
Matta should punch Turner in the nuts every time he tries to dribble behind the back…
Dude knows coach can’t take him out so he does as he pleases.
I think he just tries to do too much with the ball. A safer play easily breaks the press but he gets too fancy. I don’t think it’s cause he knows he won’t get yanked, though. I think he has good intentions but his basketball IQ and ballhandling aren’t at the same level as his shooting, passing and rebounding skills. It’ll come…
I’ll finish for you……..It’ll come…..in the NBA
haha..you might be right!
looks like deebs is gonna get the 4 threes I predicted – in the first half!
“A rare offensive rebound for the Wildcats.”
Between these two teams, someone has to rebound the ball.
threeeeeeeebler
4 TO’s for Turner so far…killing me!
Sky’s the limit if he stays in college at least 2 years.
Anyone else bothered by how red Matta was earlier in the half? I hope he’s had his blood pressure checked lately.
What happened to Illinois? Last few games they haven’t been able to score. Penn St shot 28% tonight, 17% from 3 point land and won by 5. Illinois shot 30%, 18% from 3 point land………and didn’t shoot a free throw on their home court.
Forgot to mention that we have them Sunday on national TV…….they should be good and pissed.
That game must’ve been like staring at a car wreck.
Evan Turner = Good Stuff
dallas lauderdale got his one offensive foul of the game, albeit not as outrageous as they usually are.
even turnover is so frustrating sometimes, even though he is out best player by far
Turner tries too hard when close to home.
Dammit guys comon. Lookin sleepy.
Buford is ice cold tonight. He must’ve hooked up with my wife.
I didn’t think she was cold.
Let me know your secret Carf.
Every game……..the scoring drought.
NERG NERG NERG, we had a huge lead up until seemingly three seconds ago.
Madsen needs more quality ball touches
Unbelievable.
Turner, you magnificent bastard, I don’t know what to think of you being simultaneously our best player and our most inconsistent one
haha….good paraphrase of the great general’s line.
… /palm to forehead
That’s 7 TO’s for Turner…oh, and nice 18 foot shot from 20 feet from a wide open Hill…
NW is so white I’m wearing sunglasses at night
We are officially in trouble.
I heart you Diebler Elf
6 points in 10 minutes
I need some vodka. Now.
Diebler has gone ape-fucking-shit
THREEBLER baby!
Diebler is hotter than a super nova right now.
And we are still down 3.
If the rest of the team materializes out of thin air, we’ll pull it out in the end
33 proof
Win one for the Elf.
Remember when our big men played like big men instead of fancy-dancy European shooters?
WHOO JEREMIE IS ALIVE
Hate that term…..”score the basketball”
One of the worst cliches in sports announcing, right up there with “gutty”, “moxie” et al.
I hate when someone says a guy is “atheletic”. Well duh, he’s on the basketball team!
Okay, we’re down 4 to Conan O Brien and the Ku Klux Klan with 7.5 minutes to go. We’re shooting 56 percent and losing. What the hell, boys.
How about some defense? Please?
Turner the burner, baby
Jimmy Crum would have called this one a “barnburner”
Madsen would be a stud at Northwestern.
Turner starting to take over………I hope.
Speaking of barnburners, did anyone see the PSU-Illinois assault on offensive basketball?
Mullens has 10 rbs? WTBruce. Must be too many short whiteys for NW.
Mullens, fuckin’ around and gettin’ a double double
awful defense
live score?
63-61 Purple People Eaters
63-61 Mildcats at the moment, but Turner is going to the line for 2.
63-61 northwestern…turner headed to line
GOD DAMN IT, WHITE PEOPLE
he wasn’t shooting
26 points for Deebs
Wow.
aw hell
Done.
6 points in 10 minutes to open the half killed them again.
No defense and too many misses at the FT line.
BUFORD~
BILLY B. WILLIAMS!
No wildcat wide receiver can leap that high
How about a couple stops wrapped around a 3 and we can go home a wiener.
DIEBLER YOU SEXY MOTHERFUCKA
LOL………….who is wearing the Diebler mask?
WOWOWOWOWOWO!!!!!
This is going to give me a coronary
GOD FUCKING DAMN IT
Oh wow. Dagger.
Well that was not a stop.
This barn is burning all the way to the ground…this is crazy
God is dead
so lucky its not funny.
No way they let Diebler get the ball………so who takes it?
Why the hell is PJ Hill in there?
no time out and take the ball out at the half court???
So let’s get back to laying 60 on their football team okay kthx
crap.
i’ve said it before and i’ll say it again: i love thad matta. but his teams have never been able to defend the three ball
Testify. It’s an Achilles Heel, because otherwise this is some of the best basketball we’ve had in years here
His teams could guard the 3 if he’d man up vs outside shooting teams like FLORIDA.
Terrible defense by Buford
I disagree. Terrible defense by Hill. He gambled on the inbounds pass and was chasing the ball handler. Buford had to hedge to the middle to keep him from getting a GD layup, and dude kicked it out. Hill has to keep the guy in front of him with 13 ticks left….
or just not give up a billion three b4 the final 13 seconds.
Gay-Ness Monster
Can I blame this on Jim Bollman?
No, but you can blame Heacock for not pressuring the ball.
Heacock didn’t get enough quality ball touches
My feelings would not be hurt in the least if Lauderdale saw a lot less PT and Madsen never left the bench…
northwestern can blow me. some teams get hot one night and shot the three well… they’re still gonna be playin in the NIT while were playin in the Turney.
=(
And now an angry Illini team comes to town and our psyche is not good.
and Illinois scored like five more points than Jon Diebler by his own damn self tonight.
Free throw shooting…again!
Huh?
13/17 including 7 of 8 from the BJ/Lauderdale duo. You get that very often?
I’m fairly certain that allowing them to make 13 3 pointers (and shoot 52% from back there) had a little more to do with the loss than the four misses from the stripe.
Correct me if I’m wrong but Turner is our best free-throw shooter isn’t he? I’d give anything to have 3 of those missed shots back and that ball game would have ended up tied with Shurna’s shot at the end.
-Tuner was the reason we lost plain and simple. One player with 8 personal turnovers is going to kill any teams chances at winning. Traveling…. palming the ball..??? i know some middle schoolers that can get up and down the court without doing either.
-BJ Mullins your not even close to being ready for the NBA, and lets try not forgetting how to play “D” also.
-and to DIEBLER, sorry that we suck at defense and ruining your fantastic night the only reason we were in this game.
I just don’t get it. seriously we can’t play man-to-man defense at all. seriously?!? one possession of man we get a game-tying steal then right back to the zone so they can get an open 3 with 8 seconds left to do anything. just in case them and every other team hasn’t proven they can shoot over it all year. awful defense, awful coaching. i’m sorry, i know everybody loves matta but he is not a very good game coach, plain and simple.
Personally I don’t think this has anything to do with Matta. Diebler played his @ss off tonight and the rest of the crew couldn’t keep up with him. Our defense was sloppy and when Northwestern runs that offsense on us we have no idea where to shift. Evan Turner needs to stop turning the ball over and making his free throws down the stretch plain and simple.
when they shoot 12-23 3 pointers, mostly open, and we don’t even consider changing anything on defense it just seems like something is wrong. really we can’t even try man? not even for a little? just test it out?
Evan Turner… PLEASE, PLEASE stop with the turnovers. Our lack of a point guard is absolutely killing us. And this team plays undiscplined. Poor free throw shooting, typically poor rebounding, bunching up on defense and leaving known shooters wide open. Come on guys. This team is too talented to lose this game.
Gross.
Find out how to defend the 3 plz, ty.
does this game warrant going on this site? http://www.fmylife.com/
You know, as the game was winding down, I was thinking to myself, why are we ALWAYS in the zone defense? Can’t we play man to man at least 10-20 % of the time if not just to switch things up? Then I thought, well Thad knows best, maybe zone is the thing to play these days… then we get hit with a garbage undefended game winning shot. Not pointing fingers at Matta as much as the extreme aversion to man to man defense that he seems to have with this team.
I’m thinking we need 3 out of our last 5 to dance?
We can do it: Illinois, Penn State, at Purdue, at Iowa, NW. As inconsistent as this team is, we could have five losses or five wins, but I think Penn State, Iowa, and NW at home are all very winnable games.