Really?
In Thad Matta’s 400thcareer game as a head coach, the Ohio State men’s basketball team throttled the Nebraska Cornhuskers 79-45. The only thing truly in doubt during the second half was if the Buckeyes would double Nebraska’s final score.
I admit I was somewhat concerned as the game tipped off. It may seem crazy now, especially after watching what can only be described as a beat down, but I had legitimate reasons to worry. At least I think they were legitimate.
Incorrect worry number one:
Ohio State had lost four of its last six conference road games coming into the game, and this was exactly that – a conference road game.
Incorrect worry number two:
Nebraska was coming off of an emotional upset of Indiana and – theoretically – would be fired up to keep rolling against another conference heavyweight.
And, since all good things come in threes,
Incorrect worry number three:
I did not really expect the kind of hostile atmosphere that greeted the Buckeyes in Lincoln. After all, Nebraska is a football school and this was not a football game. However, the fans seemed ready for some hoops, and the atmosphere was sufficiently intense until the game got ugly.
So what happened to ease those worries?
Well, the game started, that’s what. A victory was never in doubt for the Buckeyes, as William Buford led the team with 15 points, while Jared Sullinger – who battled early foul trouble – and Deshaun Thomas each chipped in 14. The Cornhuskers only made 13 shots from the field all game, compared to their 27 turnovers. I’m pretty sure Taylor Martinez hasn’t even turned it over 27 times in one game (I kid, Nebraska fans. I may or may not still be bitter about our football matchup earlier this year).
Whatever concern was still lingering quickly faded away after watching the last six seconds of the first half. Aaron Craft – in all his scrappy glory – beat the press, split two defenders at half court, and fired a perfect pass to Evan Ravenel, who proceeded to lay it in to beat the buzzer. It put the Buckeyes up 16 at the break and was basically point guard perfection wrapped up in one play. In fact, remember your high school coach who always harped on and stressed fundamentals at every practice? He probably would have shed a tear of happiness had he seen that play.
Sure the game was ugly, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t some key developments for the Buckeyes. After recent struggles, it was certainly nice to see Buford knock down a couple of three point shots today. While I would prefer to see him slash more (and worry that he is trying too hard to replace Jon Diebler’s shooting from last year), Buford’s shooting will make it difficult for opponents to double Sully down the stretch.
What’s more, Deshaun Thomas may have made the best defensive play I have ever seen from him in Scarlet and Gray when he slid across the lane and drew a charge early in the second half. Those are the types of plays he often does not make, and they are going to be critical down the stretch of the Big Ten season (unless we play Nebraska every game. Then we might be alright if I suited up).
Ultimately, I have three final takeaways from the victory (remember, good things always come in threes).
Takeaway number one:
If it wasn’t clear already that football has been the driving force behind conference expansion, just watch Nebraska basketball. Do you really think the Big Ten would have been chomping at the bit to add the Cornhuskers if they played football like they play on the hardwood?
Takeaway number two:
Indiana really lost to that Nebraska team?
Takeaway number three:
My favorite part of Nebraska joining the Big Ten is the chance to see more of the ridiculous balloon mascot that just waddles around the building all game. When future generations study early 21st century sports, I shudder to think about how the swaying Husker will influence their opinion of us. I know it isn’t relevant to the game, but it had to be said.
It was a day of upsets across the college basketball landscape Saturday. Notre Dame knocked out no. 1 Syracuse, Florida State tomahawked (pun absolutely intended) no. 4 Duke, Arkansas squeezed by no. 19 Michigan (you can keep your conference pride, I’m always happy when the weasels lose), Tennessee beat no. 11 Connecticut, and no. 5 Missouri upset no. 3 Baylor (I don’t care what you say, if 5 beats 3 it counts as an upset).
The Buckeyes did well to avoid becoming upset victims themselves, and should continue to roll when they host Penn State Wednesday night.
*(Lil’ Red image cc license jc-pics)
