#16 Illinois 70 – Ohio State 68

In a game that saw the Buckeyes chase the Illini both literally and figuratively for all 40 minutes, Ohio State (17-7) found themselves just short against the Illinois (22-6) 70-68 in Columbus Sunday afternoon.

 

Forward Mike Davis, who hit 11 of 14 shots, for 22 points and added 8 rebounds as well, led Illinois. Davis is the kind of player that has bugged Ohio State this whole season. Lanky, athletic, a good jumper that fills the whole right in the middle of the Buckeyes 2-3 zone. In the end, it was the Buckeyes that were unable to prohibit the Illini from shooting well, and pushing them around underneath the basket on the offensive end. The ability to move the ball was also the key to the Illini’s effectiveness on offense, racking up 23 assists on 28 field goals. 

 

The Buckeyes were led by Jon Diebler, who hit 4 more three-point shots, on his way to 17 points, and Evan Turner who it took awhile to get on track, ending with 17 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals. William Buford chipped in 14 points, but overall the Buckeyes appeared to be in a malaise offensively for most of the first 50 minutes. It wasn’t until Turner took over with a great desperation to keep the Buckeyes in the game, that they were able to fight back into it.

 

It seems it is has now come time to throw our arms up in the air, wonder around High St. and completely give up guessing what this team is capable of. At certain points this season the Buckeyes have looked like a top 10 team, at others a team not worthy of making any tournament. With few games left on the regular season, the Buckeyes have better decide quickly. If the don’t they will once again be vying or an NIT title.

 

Tuesday 2/24 7pm Vs. Penn State

Saturday 2/28 4pm @ Purdue

Tuesday 3/3 9:05pm @ Iowa