Ohio State withstood a run from Texas Southern on Thursday night to move to 3-0 on the season, but the Buckeyes are still far from perfect as Chris Holtmann's first year as coach rolls on.
| Who | Where | When | TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern (2-1) | Value City Arena | 2 p.m. | BTNPlus |
While the Tigers were one shot away from taking the lead on Ohio State on Thursday, the Buckeye defense was ultimately able to clamp down and hold Texas Southern to just seven points in as many minutes to run away with the victory.
The focus after Ohio State's first two games was turnovers, as the Buckeyes committed 19 in the season opener and 15 in a win over Radford. Against Texas Southern, Ohio State was able to limit the giveaways to 10, mainly because of how the Buckeyes handled the Tigers zone defense.
"This early in the year, I don't think you are as well equipped to face zones as you maybe would like to be, and that is on me," Holtmann said. "To see it for 40 minutes was a unique thing. We had some good moments against it, and some that were not so good, but that was a factor in us not turning it over as much, because we played against a zone for 40 minutes."
Ohio State needs to continue to improve on its turnover numbers as the level of competition increases, moving forward into the PK80 Invitational later this week but starting with Northeastern on Sunday.
Opponent Breakdown
Northeastern suffered its first loss of the season Friday, a 73-59 loss to Stanford on the road. The Huskies are the highest-rated team Ohio State has played thus far this season according to Ken Pomeroy, as Northeastern is ranked No. 150 in KenPom's advanced statistical rating system.
The Huskies feature seven players who average seven points or more per game, but none that are currently averaging double-digits. Guard Devon Begley leads Northeastern in scoring, averaging 9.3 points per game, while fellow backcourt mate Bolden Brace leads the Huskies in rebounding, averaging 5.7 boards per contest.
While Northeastern's backcourt leads the way, the Huskies are not without size. Center Anthony Green stands 6-foot-10 and has started each of the first three games of the season, but averages just 14.0 minutes per game.
Guard Vasa Pusica is the dominant ball handler for the Huskies, as he plays more than any other player for Northeastern, averaging 25.7 minutes per contest and leading the team with 3.7 assists per game.
Buckeye Breakdown
Chris Holtmann tinkered with his lineup in an 82-64 win over Texas Southern, inserting freshman guard Musa Jallow, and it paid off against the Tigers. Jallow accounted for 13 points and six rebounds in his first career start and is expected to stay in that role moving forward.
Jallow's start meant fifth-year senior guard Kam Williams came off the bench for the first time this season.
The decision to play Jallow, who has yet to celebrate his 18th birthday, was more because of his defensive ability, an area where Holtmann was pleased with the freshman's performance.
"His backline deflections late were really critical," Holtmann said. "To me, that was as impactful as anything. Obviously he made some shots and rebounded and played a really good floor game. (He had) some really good moments."
Jallow added that he was grateful for the opportunity to start, and that it didn't change his pregame approach at all.
"I have been working really hard in practice and I am just blessed that Coach Holtmann blessed me with the opportunity," Jallow said. "I didn't think about it too much, just warmed up like I'm used to and just kept going."
Ohio State is expected to welcome back Kaleb Wesson to its lineup after the freshman forward was suspended for the win over Texas Southern for "failure to meet the expectations of the men’s basketball program." Wesson averaged 11.0 points and 4.5 rebounds in the first two games of his college career.
How It Will Play Out
Northeastern played in California on Friday night and is set to play in Ohio less than 48 hours later. The Huskies are the best team Ohio State has played this season, but could be playing with tired legs.
With Wesson expected to be back in the lineup for the Buckeyes, Ohio State should have the depth it needs in the post to counter Northeastern's big men and play a more physical brand of basketball.
Prediction: Ohio State 81, Northeastern 67
