Just now getting the puppies lined up after an intense game between really good teams. Sometimes small things make a difference. Turnovers in this game. We did not turn it over much, and a few that we did have were questionable offensive fouls. OSU didn't get the easy run-outs that can make a close game into an 8-10 point game. OTOH, the ill fated behind the back pass that resulted in a three point play by Livers, and the Eli knock away near center court that was converted into a layup by Chaundee, gave us a lift at key times. The former touched off our late game run. My only critique of the last 2 minutes was that we should have given up layups and not leave the shooters. Had they missed a couple, it would have been a 10 point win. But they kept making them and were able to hang in - barely.
Chaundee gave us a huge lift early when OSU threatened to build a lead. Three straight threes from him and a couple by Eli evened things up. His put back after three offensive rebounds was huge at the time. Hunter struggled to score in the first half but made some beautiful passes for open looks on threes. Livers was cold in the first half, but he was aggressive going to the hoop today, getting hoops and free throws. His pass to Eli for a layup was a back breaker. He also did a super job on Young. Chaundee's defense off the bench is tough. It's strange to talk D when we gave up 87 points. OSU made shots, and Washington in particular made a lot of contested threes and finished tough drives. If Liddell can hit those face up shots over Dickinson and threes, hats off to him. He did not get much in the paint, though.
Eli did everything he could on Washington. The refs called it tight, and Eli got called for tick tack fouls when he had good defensive position and did not reach in. The flop call on him was ridiculous. Eli was money at the line late. Walker v. Smith was a great matchup. Walker was really good on the pull up mid-range stuff; Smith on threes and midrange baseline, and kicking out to shooters. Pretty even
One key was that we didn't let the rest of their guys get much. Great job sticking with Ahrens; IIRC he only got one shot off. If he gets loose, he's a 50% three point shooter. As mentioned, Young was neutralized. I did feel that they got too many second chances off offensive rebounds, especially in the first half. Overall, wee rebounded well, and Hunter got stronger as the game went on.
I am so proud of Hunter. Stepping to the line and knocking down free throws in a game of this magnitude is emblematic of his mental toughness. His jam while surrounded by three Buckeyes was a statement. He blocked and altered shots. Liddell was smiling in the first half; but not at the end. Hunter was the biggest factor when the game was decided.
I don't think that there are many, if any, teams who could into Columbus this year and win when they are playing at such a high level. You have to respect Holtmann's coaching; but Juwan and staff were great today in preparation and in game moves. Juwan has a feel for his personnel, and is making the right subs at the right time. You just don't see a lot of confusion out there. The kids know what they're doing.
There's so much that can be said about a game like this. Each team brought it. Players on both sides stepped up to the moment. We took care of business at winning time. Need to let this one marinate. Enjoy it.
Chaundee gave us a huge lift early when OSU threatened to build a lead. Three straight threes from him and a couple by Eli evened things up. His put back after three offensive rebounds was huge at the time. Hunter struggled to score in the first half but made some beautiful passes for open looks on threes. Livers was cold in the first half, but he was aggressive going to the hoop today, getting hoops and free throws. His pass to Eli for a layup was a back breaker. He also did a super job on Young. Chaundee's defense off the bench is tough. It's strange to talk D when we gave up 87 points. OSU made shots, and Washington in particular made a lot of contested threes and finished tough drives. If Liddell can hit those face up shots over Dickinson and threes, hats off to him. He did not get much in the paint, though.
Eli did everything he could on Washington. The refs called it tight, and Eli got called for tick tack fouls when he had good defensive position and did not reach in. The flop call on him was ridiculous. Eli was money at the line late. Walker v. Smith was a great matchup. Walker was really good on the pull up mid-range stuff; Smith on threes and midrange baseline, and kicking out to shooters. Pretty even
One key was that we didn't let the rest of their guys get much. Great job sticking with Ahrens; IIRC he only got one shot off. If he gets loose, he's a 50% three point shooter. As mentioned, Young was neutralized. I did feel that they got too many second chances off offensive rebounds, especially in the first half. Overall, wee rebounded well, and Hunter got stronger as the game went on.
I am so proud of Hunter. Stepping to the line and knocking down free throws in a game of this magnitude is emblematic of his mental toughness. His jam while surrounded by three Buckeyes was a statement. He blocked and altered shots. Liddell was smiling in the first half; but not at the end. Hunter was the biggest factor when the game was decided.
I don't think that there are many, if any, teams who could into Columbus this year and win when they are playing at such a high level. You have to respect Holtmann's coaching; but Juwan and staff were great today in preparation and in game moves. Juwan has a feel for his personnel, and is making the right subs at the right time. You just don't see a lot of confusion out there. The kids know what they're doing.
There's so much that can be said about a game like this. Each team brought it. Players on both sides stepped up to the moment. We took care of business at winning time. Need to let this one marinate. Enjoy it.
