Ohio State junior guard Bruce Thornton (2) looks for a pass during the game against Rutgers Saturday at the Schottenstein Center. The Buckeyes defeated the Scarlet Knights 80-66. Credit: Sandra Fu | Photo Editor
Ohio State’s Big Ten opener was anything but pretty.
The Buckeyes started conference play with a brutal 83-59 loss to Maryland, with the Terrapins building a staggering 33-point lead by halftime — the largest first-half margin in Ohio State’s Big Ten history.
During the Dec. 4 loss in College Park, Maryland, the Buckeyes struggled with turnovers and poor 3-point shooting, giving up the ball over 17 times and scoring only 21.1% from beyond the arc.
Maryland exploited Ohio State’s defensive inconsistency, particularly in guarding the perimeter. Subpar rotations and slow closeouts allowed Maryland to knock down open shots, and the Buckeye bench’s inability to score sealed the deal for an Ohio State loss.
The Buckeyes leaned heavily on their starters, specifically guards Meechie Johnson Jr. and Bruce Thornton, both of whom played 32 minutes apiece.
Ohio State also struggled with shot selection, especially late in the game. Plus, an over-reliance on isolation plays and rushed shots allowed Maryland to maintain control throughout the entire contest.
Despite the defeat, Ohio State fans shouldn’t despair just yet. Saturday, the Buckeyes defeated Rutgers 80-66 to secure their first Big Ten win of the season.
Ohio State’s squad showcased strong performances from Thornton and fellow forward Devin Royal, who both scored 22 points.
Key areas of success included shooting efficiency and defensive stops. Against Maryland, the Buckeyes managed only 59 points, shooting just 37.9% from the field and 61.1% from the free-throw line.
Against Rutgers, Ohio State scored 80 points on 52.6% shooting, achieved an efficient 48% from 3-point range and sank 10 of 11 free throws.
Maryland is a solid Big Ten team with only two losses this season, and the Terrapins’ dominance is a testament to their strength rather than Ohio State’s weakness.
If the Buckeyes address and improve upon flaws seen in the Maryland matchup, like they did against the Scarlet Knights, Ohio State can become more disciplined and balanced, especially in a competitive Big Ten conference.
When the Buckeyes’ roster is on, it scores efficiently. If players can consistently replicate offensive output, like they did against Rutgers, the team can compete with anyone.
Ohio State’s losses to Texas A&M and Maryland showed a weakness in rebounding and perimeter defense, especially in transition.
If the Buckeyes build on their strengths — remedying defensive and road challenges in the process — they have a real shot at becoming a Big Ten contender and making a solid tournament run come March.
The pieces are in place for Ohio State’s program, but it must grow fast to compete against the Big Ten’s upper echelon.
