Ohio State-Presbyterian: Buckeyes Roll To Easy Win in Wake of Butler Loss

Ohio State could sleepwalk through a game like this, instead they played in tougher in the second half on their way to a 78-48 victory over Presbyterian. 

The last time these teams played, the Buckeyes shot 71 percent, setting a game record. This time however, they shot 53 percent from the field and 42 percent from three-point range.

The Buckeyes jumped out to a 14-0 lead that they took into the half, 53-21. This game was never in question, as Ohio State strolled to another victory in front of the home crowd.

The starters looked very impressive in their second game without Evan Turner. David Lighty had 20 points to lead all scorers and has accepted the role of team leader.

Jon Diebler added 12 points and William Buford had 11, but it was Dallas Lauderdale’s 10 points and eight rebounds that impressed me the most. The stats aren’t overly impressive, but considering his performance against Butler where he was constantly in foul trouble and out of position, he looked much improved.

The point guard combination of PJ Hill and Jeremie Simmons continues to play well and produce for the Buckeyes. Hill had nine points, while Simmons chipped in eight points, as both players saw large amounts of playing time.

Ohio State’s defense in the paint was evident in both halves, as they had a 35-25 lead in rebounding, and four blocks. These blocks and eight steals were part of the 17-12 turnover difference that favored the Buckeyes at the end of the game.

Ohio State (8-2) needed a game like this to shake off the tough loss at Butler last weekend. The Buckeyes next opponent, Deleware State (4-4) has been on a three game losing streak. This streak should extend to four without much problem for the Buckeyes. The game is set to tip off on Saturday at 4:00 P.M. in the Schottenstein Center.