After watching the Buckeyes lose three championships in a row, it sure was good to see Ohio State wrap up the NIT — even if it isn’t the championship we all wanted. Mid way through the first half however, I was imagining the headline for this post would read, “Always a bridesmade…”
But it wasn’t to be. The Buckeyes came out of the halftime taking a quick lead and never looked back. Once the Bucks learned to guard the corners and slow UMass sophomore Ricky Harris, who was on fire from the three point line, control shifted back to the Buckeyes.
Although at first look, the NIT invite would seem a disappointment, but it is just what the young Ohio State players needed. Midway through the season, this basketball team almost appeared to sleepwalk through their games. The experience and confidence gained from a near rout of the NIT has got to give them a jump on next year’s season. Add a strong group of freshmen coming in and the Buckeyes should be contenders for the big show come March 2009.
At first I was disappointed to see Florida fail to hold up their end of the deal in an OSU/Florida rematch, it was good to see a team as exciting as UMass and just as good to see Florida watch this one from home.
It’s too bad that Jamar Butler couldn’t have extended his Ohio State career one more weekend but he needs to be commended. He knew the talent on this team and instead of sitting out angry, he stepped up and lead this team to the NIT championship. He played the role of the leader well this season and he will be missed.
It’s been a tough season but Ohio State is one of only two teams in the country that will end their basketball season with a win. I guess I can live with that.
