Buckeyes Able To Edge Out Illinois In Tough Win

Sullinger willed the Buckeyes to victory

A frequent theme during this game was don't panic. When Ohio State was down 8 early in the second half, most assumed the Buckeye's train wheels had fallen off. Jared Sullinger led an inspired comeback by scoring 27 points and added 16 rebounds, his second game this season with at least 25 points and 15 rebounds. Late in the game, the rest of the Buckeye squad couldn't hit the broad side of the barn, resulting in feeding Sullinger the ball for the rest of the game.


Jereme Richmond had 18 points and 10 rebounds for Illinois (14-6, 4-3), and Mike Tisdale added 15 points. Demetri McCamey, who leads the Illini with 16.2 points a game, scored just five on 2-of-11 shooting, much thanks to the efforts of Aaron Craft. The Illini defense was on fire containing just about every Buckeye but Sullinger. It ended up not being enough for a win, but surely OSU fans can wait until February 22nd, when they meet again.


Still down, DeShaun Thomas started off his second half with 2 straight 3's, and then was able to score a couple more, adding a spark to the offense.

My Thoughts:


- David Lighty on defense was out of sync all game long. He continued to lose his man in transition, and under the rim. 


- The offense struggled mightily for the first time in awhile. If this were to happen during an NCAA Tournament game, OSU fans would not be breathing a sigh of relief. I hope they can get this under control.


- The Cardiac Nuts have made a re-appearance, although this one was expected. Tuesday is going to be a doozey of a game, as the Buckeyes will host the Purdue Boilermakers. It seems the Big Ten will have a 2-3 team race, between Illinois, Purdue, and Ohio State.


- This team joins the 1961 and 1962 as a team that has started 20-0 or better in school history.


- Speaking of 20-0 and that record, both previous 20-0 starts resulted in Ohio State advancing to the NCAA title game.