For the eighth time in nine games, the Ohio State men’s basketball team has put a mark on the wrong side of the ledger in the win/loss column. It’s been one of the worst stretches of basketball that I can remember the Buckeyes having.
This game looked like it was out of hand, only for Wisconsin to let the Buckeyes, without head coach Chris Holtmann and freshman sensation Brice Sensabaugh, have life late but eventually holding them off, 65-60, to send the home team to an 11-11 record.
The reality of the Ohio State hoops situation is that they’re going to be at home in March watching worthy teams play in the NCAA Tournament. It was another tough loss to swallow and here are my thoughts on the most recent Buckeye loss.
Finally some fire from this team
— Barry Badrinath (@badrinathbarry1) February 3, 2023
Why it mattered
It wasn’t just that Holtmann got ejected, it’s that he finally showed some life from the bench. The results didn’t happen right away but eventually, the Bucks came around and made this a game. This is the kind of effort you can live with, win or lose. The question is, where was this during the January swoon? Either way, it was nice to see even though they lost.
Turnovers killed the effort
Ohio State has 11 turnovers at the half.
Three from Justice Sueing and Isaac Likekele, in their sixth and fifth years, respectively.
— Adam Jardy (@AdamJardy) February 3, 2023
Why it mattered
The ball handling of a senior should be much better, but Isaac Likelele didn’t show that at all. He has been inconsistent all season. He played a solid game but the turnovers at the end of the game were killers. Likelele led the team with 5, a stat you don’t want to be the team leader in. The Buckeyes as a whole gave the ball over to the Badgers 16 times, doubling what the visitors did. In a close game — at home no less — you can’t give the ball away that many times and expect to come out with a win.
Sensabaugh lacks in one major part of his game
After not playing for more than 6.5 minutes, Ohio State freshman star Brice Sensabaugh checks in. But, three seconds later, he fouls out.
He's called for over the back on this offensive rebound attempt.
Sensabaugh finished with 13 points in 16 minutes. pic.twitter.com/nAb5uVIvoO
— Andy Backstrom (@andybackstrom) February 3, 2023
Why it mattered
You might not find a bigger Sensabaugh fan than me, but there is a major part of his game that is holding him back, his on-court IQ. I feel like a broken record saying that the freshman can’t stay on the court due to fouls. Sensabaugh made a stupid flagrant one when he pushed a Badger after his own mistake, giving him three fouls in the first half.
He’d pick up his fourth just about four minutes into the second half, forcing acting head coach Jake Diebler to take him out. When Sensabaugh returned, it took all of one possession for him to pick up his fifth foul and have to sit the final nine-plus minutes of the game. He has to be smarter than that because this team needs him on the court. Stupid fouls held him and Ohio State back tonight.
It will be a miracle for this team to finish over .500
Final from The Schott.
OSU: 60
WISC: 65 pic.twitter.com/MYZcfOk70I— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) February 3, 2023
Why it mattered
It felt wrong for me to write this but here we are. From 10-3 to 11-11, this team has been part of an epic collapse that has many of us wondering why we are still watching this team. We love our Buckeyes but this is painful. There are nine games left in the regular season and it’s a stretch to think this team can go 5-4 to salvage some respectability. When does spring football start?
It's time to play the kids
Okpara went UP ✈️🔥@OhioStateHoops pic.twitter.com/icPuOPg7eo
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) February 3, 2023
Why it mattered
This season isn’t officially over but you get the idea. However, there still can be some good that can come out of it, getting the freshman valuable experience. Bruce Thornton and Sensabaugh have been starters for the majority of the season, but now is the time to let Felix Okpara, and Roddy Gayle Jr. get a bunch of playing time.
No one expects Sensabaugh to be around next year so this really applies to the rest of the first-year players. Their development will be key to next year’s success if there is any, so it’s time to let them get the lion’s share of playing time.
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