What was expected to be an easy win turned into a rout as
the Ohio State Basketball team limited the Samford Bulldogs to 6 points in the
first half and 22 points for the game Saturday in Columbus.
By Steve Patterson
Evan Turner Has a Big Game
Evan Turner played his best game of the season scoring 16
points with 13 rebounds. Dallas Lauderdale continued to dominate in the paint
with 10 points and 3 blocks.
Samford only hit 3 of the 23 shots they took from the field.
Smothering the Bulldogs, Ohio
State played aggressive
defensive pressing beyond the three point line and pressing full-court often.
The 22 points by Samford was the lowest point total by a Buckeye opponent is 69
years.
BJ Mullens Comes On
BJ Mullens played an important role for the Buckeyes with 8
points and 3 rebounds in 18 minutes on the court. Later in the game, Coach
Matta experimented with Lauderdale and Mullens both on the court. The Buckeyes
are hoping to feature both big men against some of their more competitive match-ups
later in the season.
Sophomores Look Great
The sophomores for Ohio State
all looked dominant with Jon Deibler, Turner, and Lauderdale all having
productive games. Freshman Williams Buford, Anthony Crater, Mullens, and Walter
Offutt all saw a good amount of time on the court but played like freshmen. All
four have great athletic ability but their lack of experience leads to
uncertainty and some sloppiness. The team will need all four to progressive
quickly to provide depth for the regular season.
|