Northwestern 72 – Ohio State 69

 

The Wildcats were able to hit over 50% (13-25) of their 3’s for the game, and at some points it felt like they would never miss. With Craig Moore hitting 7 of 12, for 23 total points, and Kevin Coble hitting 4 of 6, finishing with 26 points. If it wasn’t for an out of his mind shooting performance by Buckeye guard Jon Diebler, who hit 8 of 10 3-pointers, adding some free-throws and a key steal/lay-up with 30 seconds left to tie the game, and end up with 28 points. If Diebler doesn’t turn in a career night, Northwestern would have shot the Buckeyes off the court.

 

The Buckeyes at one point in the first half led the Northwestern Wildcats by 12, but that was a lead that they could not sustain as they would turn the ball over 15 times in the game, unfortunately led by star Evan Turner who traveled his way to 8 turnovers all by himself. Turner was able to add his normal stat stuffing, with 14 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, a block, and a steal, but it was the turnovers that haunted him, especially in the second half.

 

Of note for the Buckeyes was a tale of two freshmen. It was guard William Buford who hit only one shot for the whole of the game, ending with only 3 points. However, freshman center B.J. Mullens put together his most complete game so far with 11 points, 11 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. 

 

The Buckeyes now find themselves again in a precarious situation. With games against Illinois, Penn State, and Purdue to follow, the Buckeyes could very easily find themselves with a 5-game losing streak. It will begin and end with protecting the basketball better. Just think about this team with a quality point guard, one that could keep some of the pressure of Evan Turner, who continues to find himself taking care of the ball way to much for a 6-7 guard/forward combo.