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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Michael Chen

What we learned following Ohio State basketball’s win over New Orleans

It looks like Ohio State men’s basketball could have had a letdown against the visiting New Orleans Privateers down head coach Chris Holtmann and starting center Felix Okpara.

That didn’t happen, as the Buckeyes blew out New Orleans, posting a 78-36 win in front of a home crowd. The victory improves Ohio State’s season record to 10-2, as they have one more non-conference game before resuming the Big Ten schedule in the new year.

There was a lot to take away from this game, especially considering the Buckeyes were down two important pieces of this season’s team. Find out what we learned after Ohio State grabbed win No. 10 on the season.

The Buckeyes responded when they lost the lead in the first half

What we learned

Ohio State didn’t trail until 5:49 left in the first half, 15-14, but didn’t get down. In fact, the Buckeyes responded in a big way, outscoring New Orleans 17-2 to close out the half. Jamison Battle hit a couple three’s assisted by Evan Mahaffey, with Dale Bonner and Bruce Thornton chipped in on the scoring effort also. Even though the Buckeyes started out slow, they finished strong to take a 14-point lead heading into the half.

Evan Mahaffey stepped up in a big way

What we learned

I keep having to eat my words about Mahaffey, as once again he played at a high level. Perfect from the field, making all four of his shots from the field for eight points. He also had six rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block for an impressive stat line. If Thornton is the engine, Mahaffey is the gas for this team. He might not ever light up the box score, but his contributions are massive for this team.

Bruce Thornton’s injury could be devastating for this team

What we learned

The Ohio State point guard suffered a sprained ankle midway through the second half and the impact of this injury could be longer than just this game. Thornton is the engine of this team and losing him for an extend period of time is not something we want to see. The Big Ten grind returns in January, so hopefully the injury is not major.

Ohio State won with a team effort

What we learned

Down their head coach and a starter, this was always going to be a team effort for the Buckeyes and that’s exactly what happened. Four OSU players landed in double-figures, led by Jamison Battle, who just missed a double-double by one rebound. Zed Key was extremely effective, shooting 6-for-8, making 4-of-5 free throws totaling 16 points. The senior added five rebounds as well, even though he battled foul trouble. Mahaffey was spotlighted already, and although Dale Bonner shot terribly, he did end up with 10 points and five rebounds. Great contributions from all over.

Jake Diebler showed he has what it takes to eventually be a head coach

What we learned

It would have been easy for the Buckeyes to fold and let a lesser New Orleans team hang around. They did early, but Diebler guided the team to a halftime lead, and then a 42-point win. We know that once Holtmann is healthy, he’ll be leading the bench, but it’s great to see that there are other capable coaches on the staff. I’m just postulating, but perhaps Diebler leaves to get some head coaching experience and returns when Holtmann moves on. It wouldn’t be the worst choice to replace the current Buckeye head coach.

Contact/Follow @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes, and opinion. Follow Michael Chen on X.9

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