When you hold the Big Ten’s leading scorer to 11 points, chances are you’re going to be in the game. The only exception: Penn State on Saturday against Ohio State.
The Nittany Lion’s defense held Ohio State’s Deshaun Thomas to a dismal performance on offense (11 points, 4-13 shooting), but couldn’t find an answer for the Buckeyes’ 6-7 sophomore Forward Sam Thompson.
Thompson led the game in scoring with 16 points on 6-of-7 shooting from the field, as the Buckeyes took advantage of the Nittany Lions slumping offense.
Jermaine Marshall of Penn State matched Thompson’s 16 point effort as the Nittany Lions lost their eighth straight Big Ten match up, falling to 8-12 on the season. Penn State didn’t fold in the match up, but clutch foul shooting from Lenzelle Smith Jr. (5-6 in the last five minutes) kept the game in favor of Ohio State (15-4, 5-2).
Normally, being ranked 11th in the country would be seen as a success to most programs. It’s safe to say that after watching games like this, the Buckeyes have clearly underperformed thus far in the season. Yes, they did beat Michigan when they were the second ranked team, but let’s not forget the fact that they blew a 20 point lead.
Aaron Craft is having another standout defensive year, but the main problem with the Buckeyes continues to be finding that consistent scorer. Last year, it was easy for Thomas to go on shooting rampages with Jared Sullinger being double teamed on a nightly basis. Now, being the main scorer and threat, Thomas is drawing the defensive pressure, forcing players such as Craft and freshman Shannon Scott to move into more important scoring roles.
Until Coach Thad Matta finds that piece to the offense, the Buckeyes will continue to struggle through victories. You better believe that if this team shows up during tournament time in March, it’ll be a slow dance for the Buckeyes.