COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio State enters Big Ten play as several top contenders in the conference have sustained surprising upset losses at home. The only conference opponents that are ranked currently are Wisconsin and newcomer Maryland. This can all be thrown out the window now, according to OSU coach Thad Matta.
Ohio State avoided being upset with a 100-55 blowout victory Saturday night over Wright State to finish the nonconference schedule 10-2.
“You look across the landscape of college basketball there has been some quote on quote upsets. Now every team is going to play nine home games and nine away games. There’s kind of a different stake with each game. History has shown you are going to see every team’s best shot. That’s just what I’ve seen in the history of my 11 years being at Ohio State. I’ve never gone into a Big Ten game thinking I know we are going to win the game. You have to go out and earn them,” said Matta.
This season, OSU has gone a different direction in its defensive strategy as the use of the zone defense has been ramped up this season. Since OSU has utilized the zone against teams with different offensive attacks, the team’s understanding of zone has improved, according to Matta.
“Throughout the 13 games we’ve played, we’ve seen a lot of people try a lot of different things, and that to me is something that is hopefully going to prepare us. We can drawl and say this is what Louisville did or this is what Colgate did or this is what Wright State did; guys will have a great understanding of what we need expected. I like the fact that we’re able to put a lot of different combinations on the floor because of the zone.”
Senior center Amir Williams had a solid night against the Raiders with 21 points, seven total rebounds and four blocks. Going into conference play the experienced Williams knows the challenges that wait.
“Coach was talking about how after this game, stuff gets real in the Big Ten. We have to be able to establish ourselves offensively and defensively going into Big Ten conference play because we know how it’s going to be for these next 18 games,” said Williams.
Freshman D’Angelo Russell heated up with a team-high 24 points in the lopsided victory. Russell is just starting to become familiar with the concept of conference play.
“Honestly last year, I figured out what teams were in the SEC, Big Ten and the ACC. So I never really had a clue. I just thought it was basketball. I recognize the different styles of play. I heard there’s nothing like it, so I’m just looking forward to it,” said Russell.
As a freshman, Russell will learn over the course of the season and should be able to improve, according to Matta.
“One of the biggest things with freshmen is they’ve got to learn to take care of their bodies from nutrition to sleep and all those things because it just keeps hitting you. I know he’s going to work on his game. Watching him last night after practice for 45 minutes with (assistant coach Greg Paulus), it doesn’t surprise you to see him shoot the ball the way he shot it tonight,” said Matta.
Other OSU players have been bright spots with their cumulative performances during the nonconference schedule. Sophomore guard Marc Loving ranks second nationally in 3-point shooting percentage, and senior guard Shannon Scott ranks second nationally in the assists.
Matta is satisfied with his team in several key areas at the conclusion of nonconference play.
“We’ll sit down tomorrow and debrief and then talk about what’s ahead. It’s a whole new season. I like the way we’re playing right now just in terms of unselfishness and taking care of the basketball. I thought with what they tried to do tonight offensively especially in the first half, our communication was at a very high level.”
The Buckeyes have proven their ability to click on offense as they lead Big Ten teams in scoring margin and field goal percentage. Ohio State is also active on the defensive end among Big Ten teams as it is second in steals and turnover margin. OSU has also proven its ability to take care of the basketball with the second-best assist/turnover ratio among Big Ten teams.
Ohio State begins conference play Tuesday afternoon versus Iowa.
