Key Highlights
- The Ohio State men’s basketball team aims to get back into the win column with a visit to Maryland.
- The Buckeyes are 14-7 overall and 6-5 in Big Ten play, while Maryland is 8-13 and 1-9.
- Ohio State guard Bruce Thornton, who recently surpassed Michael Redd on the career scoring list, will be key for the Buckeyes.
- Maryland head coach Buzz Williams faces a tough challenge with an inexperienced roster.
- The Xfinity Center has not been kind to Ohio State in recent years.
Ohio State’s Road To Recovery
Ohio State men’s basketball, currently 14-7 overall and 6-5 in Big Ten play, faces a crucial game against Maryland. The Buckeyes dropped their last home game to Wisconsin, scoring just 30 points inside the paint and allowing the Badgers to shoot 52% from the field. Coach Jake Diebler summed up the tough loss, saying, “We had too many self-inflicted wounds in that game.
You can’t do that on the road or at this time of the year.”
The Buckeyes have a chance to get back into the win column when they visit Maryland. The Terrapins are struggling under first-year head coach Buzz Williams, who has inherited an inexperienced roster and is coming off a tough 93-63 loss to Purdue.
Key Players To Watch
Bruce Thornton, Ohio State’s leading scorer at 19.5 points per game, will be central in this matchup. He recently surpassed Michael Redd on the career scoring list and is a key player for the Buckeyes. Amare Bynum has been impressive as well, with nine double-digit scoring games.
Maryland’s forward Pharrel Payne, who averages 17.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, will be out of action after suffering an injury.
This absence has significantly impacted Maryland’s performance, as they have lost seven of their last eight games without him. Elijah Saunders and Solomon Washington are the key forwards for the Terrapins.
Historical Head-to-Head
The Ohio State-Maryland series is tied 12-12 overall, with Maryland holding a home record of 9-2 in College Park. The Xfinity Center has not been kind to the Buckeyes; they have lost their last three games there after winning once in an empty arena during the pandemic.
Ohio State’s coach Jake Diebler is 39-25 overall and 12-12 against Maryland. His team needs a win to move back to two games over .500 in conference play. The Buckeyes are also playing on home ground next, facing No. 2 Michigan.
What’s At Stake
A win would significantly boost Ohio State’s NCAA Tournament hopes, especially given their current standing and the tough schedule they face down the stretch. Diebler emphasized the importance of executing a solid game plan: “We need guys to step up and make plays here.”
Ohio State needs to get back into winning form if they are to have any chance at an NCAA berth, and this road game against Maryland is a crucial test.