The scoreboard might not of shown it, but the Northwestern Wildcats dug themselves a hole early in the Big Ten opener at Value City Arena.
Despite keeping it a close ballgame through the first ten minutes of the half, It was Ohio State gaining 5 offensive rebounds in the first five minutes, getting to the line and battling possession for possession with great ball movement and isolation in the low post to separate themselves in the 87-54 victory at home.
Aaron Craft got the Buckeyes comfortable early with timely defense. After a steal early that led to a free throw, Craft forced numerous amount of turnovers that got his team comfortable in their set offense.
Jared Sullinger would get hot off the block early, from the far low post hitting nothing but net. He would beat the zone consistently not only on the block, but in open space and on the glass.
His third three pointer of the season, a look from the top of the key with 13:19 remaining in the first half, gave Ohio State the lead they would never lose. His rebounds on the offensive glass and defensive intensity was the difference in controlling the tempo of the ballgame. He would finish with 17 points and 14 boards on the night.
After the first four minutes, Ohio State would go on a 25-5 run, setting up big shot after big shot with perimeter looks from the corner and off the wing. The Wildcats forced Buckeye shooters to beat the 1-3-1 with either pressure to the basket or wide open looks.
Late and midway through the first, Ohio State let it rain from the perimeter, and it was Northwestern’s defense that was left high and dry. Jordan Sibert hit three from long range off the bench in the first half to find his rhythm offensively for the first time all season.
William Buford would shoot the lights out of the the Schott in the second half of the first. The lone Buckeye senior shot ⅚ from the field, including ¾ from three point range. He would end the first half with 13 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. It was his dagger off the clock killing screen at the top of the key with ticks on the clock that gave Ohio State a 41-26 lead heading into the second. He would finish a career high 28 points and 9 rebounds.
Defensively, Ohio State stuck to the game-plan by forcing John Shurna to do everything offensively. Swing man Drew Crawford, who was coming off an unbelievable 34 point performance against Creighton was held to 0-6 from the field to start the game. The backcourt of the Buckeyes did everything they could to contest his mid-range looks. Overall, the Wildcat guards also had a hard time getting the basketball in the passing lanes on the way to the hoop. Crawford and Shurna would shoot 9/29 (31%) from the field. Shurna would have plenty of open looks, but finished with just 11 points. Crawford tallied a total of 13 — all coming in the second half.
Ohio State came out with a clear spark to their game to open up the Big Ten season. The Buckeyes controlled the tempo despite only winning the turnover battle by two (11/9). The Buckeyes would shoot 48% from the field and 50% from three point range. Deshaun Thomas continued his hot shooting, going 6/13 from the field and adding 16 points and 4 offensive rebounds. Overall, The Buckeyes won second chance opportunities 14-5. Ohio State outrebounded the Wildcats by a staggering 48-28 margin.
Up next for the Buckeyes are the Indiana Hoosiers on Saturday.
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