The Ohio Sate basketball team got back in the win column tonight against Maine, as they led the game from start to finish, culminating in a 95-61 win for the Buckeyes hoopsters.
Even though the competition wasn’t has high as some of their previous opponents, there was plenty to learn about how Chris Holtmann and his team would respond after the loss to North Carolina.
There were plenty of positives from this win and there were more than a few encouraging aspects of the Buckeyes’ play as they moved their record to 8-3 on the season, with Big Ten play right around the corner.
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There was no UNC hangover
this freshman's on fire!
OSU: 1⃣6⃣
Maine: 8⃣@bricepsensa | #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/NmeaDI3Ozt— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) December 22, 2022
The way this team lost against North Carolina and how young they are could have led to a letdown against Maine. That wasn’t the case as the Buckeyes came out firing, holding a 12-6 lead after the first TV timeout and never relinquishing their advantage. While this win won’t impress anyone when looking at seeding for the NCAA Tournament, it is a big confidence win for this team.
Brice Sensabaugh wants back-to-back Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors
HE'S A FRESHMAN 👏👏👏👏👏@bricepsensa | #Team124 pic.twitter.com/boNEJVpIb1
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) December 22, 2022
The freshman sensation took home the weekly Big Ten award after his 22-point, 8 rebound and 3 assist game against UNC. He followed up that performance with 19 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, just one turnover, and limited his fouls. The growth we are seeing from Brice Sensabaugh is so impressive and much needed for this group.
Justice Sueing’s struggles might be over
YOU WANNA TALK ABOUT JUSTICE?!?!
OSU: 5⃣8⃣
Maine: 3⃣4⃣@JusticeSueing | #Team124 pic.twitter.com/OneRU5T1UZ— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) December 22, 2022
I really wanted to give the Buckeye senior the benefit of the doubt after three sub-par performances in a row. He seemed to get things going against UNC with 16 points and 9 rebounds, but what many of us wanted to see was for Justice Sueing to get on more of an extended streak. Well, it looks like that is currently happening as he scored 15 points and grabbed 6 rebounds with 3 assists and a steal. It was an all-around great game from one of the veteran leaders of the team.
Zed Key was back to being Zed Key
buckets & blocks, we've got a lot!
OSU: 7⃣1⃣
Maine: 5⃣0⃣#Team124 pic.twitter.com/Fw0gFf8slv— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) December 22, 2022
The struggles that Zed Key had against the Tar Heels look to be a thing of the past. The junior center was super-efficient, shooting just 8 shots and making 5 of them and missing just one of his five free throw attempts. The Bucks dominated in the paint, scoring 64 of their 95 points around the basket and that has to do with Key’s influence. This team goes as Key does in most games and Zed was fantastic tonight.
The Freshman impress once again
just gonna leave this here @Felixokpara24 pic.twitter.com/3NLqK0duFH
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) December 22, 2022
For the second game in a row the four freshman contributors of Brice Sensabaugh, Bruce Thornton, Felix Okpara, andRoddy Gayle Jr. made positive impressions. We already outlined Sensabaugh’s impressive contest, but Thornton had 9 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and zero turnovers. Okpara continues to grow, scoring 10 points, with 4 rebounds and a block with his usually high-energy and solid defense. Gayle Jr. played one of his best games in a Buckeye uniform, a solid shooting effort even though he committed 3 turnovers. I will always live with aggressive miscues, which is what Gayle Jr. had. Once again, a great performance from these young Bucks.
