John Wall? Never heard of him (AP: P. Vernon)Another game, another Magical display from Evan Turner. The all-purpose pimp had another POY effort tying his career high with 32 points along with seven boards, five assists and four steals against zero turnovers in 68-58 victory over the Hawkeyes bringing the Buckeyes (7-3) to within one game of the first place Spartans.
While this one never materialized into a blowout, OSU didn't allow Iowa to hang around as long as they did 12 days ago using a 15-6 start to the second half to build a 47-33 lead with 12:55 left. Iowa chipped away cutting the lead to a eight a few times but Turner would not be denied scoring 14 of OSU's final 17 points and 20 in the second half to secure the win.
Besides Turner's domination, the defense had its moments picking up six steals in the first half alone leading to 14 points off turnovers as OSU built a 32-27 halftime lead. To their credit, Iowa hung around for a half shooting 52% from the floor including 4/5 from downtown but the Buckeye D would kick into a higher gear after halftime holding Iowa to 36% shooting (8/22 FG, 4/15 3FG) erasing any chance of an upset.
Turner hit 12/22 from the floor unleashing his usual array of pull up jumpers and driving layups as he moved past Luke Witte, John Havlicek and Larry Siegfried on the OSU all time scoring list. At this point, I advise the fringe fans to make more of an effort to turn on the TV because time is running out to watch one of the greatest Buckeye ballers of all time.
Considering Turner scored nearly half of OSU's points today, there weren't many other buckets to go round as evidenced by only Jon Diebler complimenting ET in double figures. Deebs had 12 points (5/10) and even chipped in at the defensive end with four boards and three swipes.
Wil Buford never got going offensively today posting just nine points (3/10) but the evolution of his game is still on track as he pitched in nine boards and two assists. David Lighty also struggled from the floor today (0/4) but he put on a shocking display from the line connecting on 9/10 while adding four boards and two blocks, one a highlight reel job in defensive transition.
The big four logged 40 minutes each as Thad clearly has no intention of playing anyone on the pine not named Kyle Madsen unless absolutely necessary. Madsen logged a season high 22 minutes today (4 pts, 4 reb) after Dallas Lauderdale picked up his 3rd and 4th fouls in the first few minutes of the second half. Dallas was jobbed on the 3rd foul but never should've been on the floor when he picked up his fourth at the 17:41 mark. For whatever reason, Matta left him on the court for nearly two minutes after recording his 3rd and Dallas picked up the 4th near midcourt. It obviously didn't matter in this game but against less flacid competition, Matta needs to better manage substitution patterns dictated by fouls.
For the game, OSU shot just 45% (22/49) but cashed in at the stripe hitting 22/27 (81%) while the D held Iowa to 42% from the field. The Buckeyes also won the battle of the boards 29-26 while turning it over just seven times against 14 miscues for the Hawkeyes.
The seventh straight conference win allowed OSU to move to 15-0 at home this season. If Purdue can stop Sparty at home Tuesday night followed by a Buckeye victory over Indiana on Wednesday, OSU could move into a first place tie with Sparty, Purdue and the winner of Tuesday's Wisconsin v. Illinois battle.
Comments
What are the chances Turner realistically wins the POY. I realize he's the best player in college but to what degree will his injury hiatus effect the voter's opinions. I think UK needs to lose some more games (which will be hard in a very soft SEC) and ET needs to put on some stud performances in nationally televised games to pull it off. This is assuming that Villanova's Scottie Reynolds and Texas' Damion James aren't realistically in the running. Any other opinions?
Do people still generally consider Buford an early departure, or did that go by the wayside a long time ago? I'm not ragging on the kid, I'm just not sure I've seen much of anything that screams anything approaching NBA-ready to me for quite some time.
I can only offer that last year I think he was considered a late first rounder by most of the reputable sites and he's only gotten better this year when you factor in his rebounding, passing and ball handling improvements to compliment what was already proven scoring ability at the college level. I think Buford has clearly been OSU's second best player. Remember, teams draft just as much on potential as they do existing skills - see Byron Mullens. I don't know if he stays or goes but I bet you he's at least a first round pick if he does go. Now, if he stays, I think he becomes a top 10 pick with another year of seasoning.
I think Turner will earn POY, unless he starts doing terrible (doubtful). If you guys (11W) aren't doing anything for the super bowl, like a game thread, I would be happy to have over at Inside The Shoe for our Live Blog. If not, could you please mention us? If not, thanks anyways.
i don't have an answer to your question... but i would like to point out that this kid is slowly turning into quite a player. he still has a lot to learn, but he's starting to do the little things that he had no desire to do last year. he's finding open guys, getting into the paint to rebound, talking to his teammates... i realize today wasn't his best game statistically but the light is starting to turn on for this kid and it's a pleasure to watch. i don't think he should leave this year... especially w/ an opportunity to be a leader for a stacked yet very green team nxt year but to each man his own...
on a side note... quite a columbus star-studded crowd tonight... gordon gee, jim tressel, both sullingers and papa sullinger, handful of military guys on hand, and a lot of the ex-captains. turned into a pretty cool atmosphere.
Yeah, I didn't mean to diminish his accomplishments or his improvement. I guess that if BJ Mullens is considered an NBA draft pick after his "year" here, Association teams will draft just about anyone based on potent
*potential
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oh no worries i know what ya meant... i don't think he's ready yet either. and i do wonder if the lack of success in the association by the early departures from tOSU will affect his decision at all. and can we just not mention bj mullens ever again lol
Just wanted to give a big Buckeye congrats to Malcolm Jenkins and Will Smith on representing Ohio State well in their Superbowl victory.
I thought the Saints defense came with a noticed improvement once Jenkins was on the field full time covering Collie. They were able to shut down Manning's throwing lanes much better than when they had an extra linebacker on the field. I also liked how it was Will Smith that threw the block that freed Porter for the pick six, and it was Jenkins who outran everyone to be the first to congratulate the hoosier in the endzone.
Congrats to Will Smith and Malcom Jenkins.
FWIW I am in Austin hanging out with Rednecks.
he's good.
32 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals and no turnovers??? You gotta be kiddin' me, wow.