College Basketball: The "L" Is Out of the Way for the Ohio State Buckeyes

There is no reason for the Ohio State Buckeyes to hang their heads after a 71-67 loss to Wisconsin in Madison yesterday.  They could have (should have) won that game in Kohl Field House.

That is, without a doubt, one tough place to play, but the Buckeyes took their foot off of the Badgers' neck.  That's a dangerous thing to do.  You cannot let up on a Bo Ryan-coached squad, you can never do that.

The remainder of the Big Ten season will be a real dog fight.  At this point in time, you can take no opponent lightly, and it is imperative the Buckeyes win to get a proper "seeding" in the Big Dance.

Here are some things I feel the Buckeyes must do better to advance and reach their ultimate goal.

Communicate/Talk!

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MILWAUKEE - MARCH 19: Paul Roemer #4 of the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos goes up for a layup in the first half against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first round of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Bradley Center on March 19, 2010 in Milw

Wing players must talk to each other, especially when double screens are being made to free a player (or players) like Jordan Taylor. 

Ohio State's on-ball defense is good, but they appear somewhat confused when they have to switch.

Communication works wonders.  Talk to each other so there's no confusion, and opposing shooters won't slip by to get off uncontested shots.

Block Out!

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MILWAUKEE - MARCH 21: Dallas Lauderdale #52 and David Lighty #23 of the Ohio State Buckeyes box out Gani Lawal #31 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the second round of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Bradley Center on March 21,

For the love of the game, put a body on 'em. 

The Buckeyes are not a big team by any stretch of the imagination, so they've got to "block out."  Every player has to feel where his man is to prevent him from slipping in and getting to the board.

We have to get every loose ball.  No exceptions.

Take The Shot, Jon!

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MILWAUKEE - MARCH 21: Jon Diebler #33 of the Ohio State Buckeyes shoots the ball while taking on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the second round of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Bradley Center on March 21, 2010 in Milwaukee, Wi

Jon, you're a senior. 

Any shyness you may have once had, should be gone by now.  We should not see another game where you only have five field goal attempts.  You are better than that.  You should be taking between nine and 12 shots each outing.

They can't sag down on Sully if they know you're going to light them up.  Shoot the ball.  If there is a gap between you and the defender, pull the trigger. 

If you won't, I'm sure Deshaun will!

Stay Unified!

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COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 26: William Buford #44, Jared Sullinger #0, David Lighty #23 and Aaron Craft #4 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrate after a basket before a timeout in the game against the Miami RedHawks at Value City Arena on November 26, 2010 in

The Buckeyes have to continue to believe and trust one another, and I don't think we have to worry about that.

I didn't notice any finger pointing or blaming, during or after, the Wisconsin loss.

They took defeat like men, and they'll be prepared for Michigan State and Purdue this upcoming week.

I think Bo Ryan summed it up best when he said, "The Buckeyes are going to be heard from before it's all over."