Ohio State defeats USC Upstate 82-58 in an Ugly Ballgame

Jared Sullinger returned to the floor of the bench on Wednesday night for the first time in the last three ballgames, but it wasn’t his play that was the full story at Value Center Arena in a 82-58 win against the USC Upstate Spartans. 

The upstart Atlantic Sun program got a true look at what it means to be a part of elite division 1 basketball.  Thanks to a stingy full court man to man defense, taking advantage of unforced turnovers, and timely shooting by Torrey Craig — The Spartans put together a 16-5 run halfway through the first half.

From that point, it was sloppy basketball on both sides, filled with fouls, turnovers and a buckeye squad that looked more lethargic than St. Nick’s reindeer after a trip around the world on Christmas day.

The only difference was at Value Center Arena this holiday season is that Ohio State doesn’t have a big man weighing it’s sleigh game down.

After slowly getting loose on the floor, Jared Sullinger started to find a rhythm. He was able to add some intensity offensively in the post, scoring 8 at the half. He would end up with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Despite many careless turnovers and zero defensive rebounds from it’s starters heading into the locker room – The Buckeyes were able to head into the second off a 7-0 run.

In the second, the Buckeyes came out sloppy and a bit lethargic, but were able to keep tempo and send USC Upstate home empty handed.

Literally.

Aaron Craft had 4 steals early in the first, as part of an ugly back and forth turnover battle. The Buckeyes had a team total of 13 swipes in the ballgame.

Deshaun Thomas led the way offensively for the Buckeyes. Beyond Sullinger, he was the only consistent offensive pressence in the ballgame. He scored 23 points while shooting 10/15 from the field. He also poured in three assists (yes three assists is pouring it in for tank.) Unfortunately, Thomas was the only starter that could find a consistent rhythm throughout the contest offensively.

Finally, halfway through the second, Ohio State finally separated themselves from the first of two South Carolina teams they’ll take on before the start of Big Ten play.

The speed, energy and fresh legs of Shannon Scott, Sam Thompson, and Evan Ravenel lifted the Buckeyes late. Thompson had yet another emphatic dunk that changed the momentum of the ballgame. He continued to throw down with less than two minutes remaining in the ballgame. An electrifying talent on both sides of the floor that we might see even more down the season. Ravenel struggled all night on the defensive glass, but was able to create some havoc and energy on both sides of the floor.

Jared Sullinger re entered the ballgame late and really looked sharp with ball movement, offensive pressure and rebounding on both sides of the floor. A good sign heading into big ten play and heading into another road test against the Gamecocks of South Carolina on Saturday.

Shannon Scott did a good job in the second half of controlling the basketball and limiting the turnovers. Upstate was tired down late, but it was Scott that did a good job of spreading the basketball in the second half.

William Buford scored 14 points but seemed lost on the court all night long. The Senior shot 4-9 from the field, and had four assists.