Sorry it took me so long to write this. I had to change my pants.
I have to admit, I didn’t see this coming and I should have given Xavier a little more respect. Xavier came into this game bent and played that way. Xavier has always been a good basketball school and they have long wanted a chance to take down “The Program” to the north. You’ve also got two coaches who worked together as assistants at Miami* and again at Xavier. Even though Matta practically snuck out of town in the middle of the night many at Xavier (including players) feel he never really explained his leaving even though he did leave Xavier coach Sean Miller with a pretty good lineup. The fact that some of those players are still at Xavier and the fans are hungry and you have all the motivation a nine seed needs to bring down the #1 ranked team in the country.
What concerns me most about today’s game was the way Ohio State refused to take control of until overtime. All season, the Buckeyes have slipped into these periods of taking crappy shots from the outside looking like a bunch of marble statues. They do this until they either slip behind or blog a big lead. Then all of a sudden, Conley, Butler and Lewis start driving for the net and Oden starts making big offensive rebounds and the Bucks are back in control.
Today, I think we waited just a bit too long.
And if it wasn’t for a missed foul shot by Xavier, I’d be trying to decide if I would even write about today’s game (you’ll notice I haven’t been able to get to the blog much lately).
Finally, in overtime, with Oden fouled out, The Ohio State Buckeyes showed up and played the type of basketball they know how to play. They drove the net and when they took the three point shot, they sounded oh so sweet going in.
Oden’s 5th foul must have been the kick in the pants the Buckeyes needed because they opened the overtime with a 10 point run and never looked back. While it’s great to have Oden, every now and then we need to let the other four step back and play some ball. When they turn it on, even without Oden, they will be very tough to beat.
(* I have certain family members who get quite upset when I refer to Miami University as Miami of Ohio)
It’s the Oden offense. Hang back, and try and figure out how to get the ball inside, and if you can’t, you chunk up a shot. They STOP playing that way when he’s either out of the game, or more likely, when their back is against the wall.
Today it was the latter.
When Conley and Butler are attacking, it opens up Lewis and Cook for open outside shots, and keeps Defenses from doubling up on Oden…
Maybe they were just overlooking today, not really sure…
GOD BLESS YOU LEWIS!
I wondered if Thad Matta might be descendent from an Irish clan after the outcome of the game on Saturday against Xavier. Turns out the Matta family name has Finnish ties instead. This didn’t stop the Buckeyes from leaning toward luck during their St Patrick’s Day square off against Xavier. They were lucky because the team placed themselves in a position where they had to rely on luck. Fortunately, OSU has enough talent that they don’t have to depend on luck to win games. Unfortunately, talent alone will only take you so far in the big dance. If the Buckeyes want to go all the way (and they do control their destiny), every player MUST play with fervor and passion like Ron Lewis during the Xavier game. Like Mike Conley Jr during the overtime period of the Xavier game. Find some fire and you will find a championship! We OSU fans are still bitter when it comes to Florida, but wise combatants learn from worthy opponents. Mr. Noah is a warrior who plays to conquer his opponents! This is the fervor that wins championships! The time has come for you to put on your armour and with 20 minutes left in the first half, go out on the court and play like you are down by 9 points with 20 seconds remaining.
Well stated Anthony. And with last night’s game against Tenn, let’s hope this isn’t becoming a habit.
We’ve got the talent, now we need the passion of Noah. When Lewis and Conley are on…look out.