Five takeaways from Ohio State’s win over UCLA in the CBS Sports Classic

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It wasn’t an easy game for Ohio State men’s basketball team, but it grinded out a win over UCLA, 67-60 in the CBS Sports Classic game in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Buckeyes struggled to shoot all game long, but did enough in the second half to get win No. 9 on the year. Head coach Chris Holtmann saw his team trailing by a point, 23-22, after the first 20 minutes. The Buckeyes turned that around in the second half, getting back to its regular scoring style with 45 in the second stanza.

There was plenty to learn about this Ohio State basketball win. Find out below my biggest takeaways from the neutral site win over UCLA.

Ohio State had a first half hangover

Takeaway

There was a rust element to the Buckeyes’ play during the first half against UCLA. The offense just couldn’t get into any sort of rhythm, after last playing a week ago against Penn State. Ohio State couldn’t buy a three, going 0-for-10, shooting just 34.5% in the first half. It turned the ball over multiple times was well, 10, at one time on four of five possessions closing out the first half. It was the lowest first half point total for the Buckeyes all season, a big time hangover which almost cost them the game.

Ohio State’s front court struggled against UCLA’s bigger front line

Takeaway

The Bruins took advantage of their size, especially when Zed Key was in the game. The senior did not have a good first half, not taking a shot, and only grabbing one rebound, while committing three fouls. He missed multiple easy looks close to the basket in both halves. Felix Okpara played a bit better, scoring a few big baskets late before fouling out. With both of them in foul trouble, it took away their aggressiveness on the defensive end. The Buckeyes lost the rebounding battle as well, 38-35, expanding on the size issue. This has been a problem for many Buckeye teams and looks like Holtmann hasn’t corrected it yet.

Bruce Thornton did not play well in his homecoming

Takeaway

The Georgia native is the engine for this team,…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/five-takeaways-ohio-state-win-231331300.html

Author : Buckeyes Wire

Publish date : 2023-12-16 23:13:31

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