Quietly but surely, the Ohio State Buckeyes have reclaimed their status as one of the nation’s elite. They’ve done so by reaching 25-7 overall and 13-5 in the Big Ten, which earned them a season-ending ranking of 10th in the AP Polls.
So what do you need to know about the Buckeyes?
1. The Ohio State Buckeyes boast an elite defense that ranks in the Top 25 in opponents points and steals. Led by Aaron Craft and Shannon Scott, whom were both named to the Big Ten’s All-Defensive Team, the Buckeyes deploy a ball-pressuring defense that limits an opponent’s offensive efficiency. In turn, opponents are shooting just 39.5 percent from the floor.
2. Considering the Ohio State Buckeyes play such physical defense, you’d assume that they’re committing quite a few fouls. On the contrary, as OSU ranks 15th in the nation in opponent free throw attempts at 15.2 per contest.
3. The Buckeyes have allowed just six of their 32 opponents to top 70 points in 2012-13. Only one opponent, Indiana on Feb. 10, topped 81. The next time OSU played the Hoosiers, the nation’s second-ranked scoring offense was held to 58 points.
4. Only one Buckeye averages double-figure scoring. That’s Deshaun Thomas at 19.7 points per game. With that being said, six separate players average at least 5.0 points and four top 7.0. Furthermore, the Bucekeyes rank 12th in turnovers committed.
5. The Ohio State Buckeyes have two star pairings, both of which feature point guard Aaron Craft. The first is Craft and Deshaun Thomas, as they provide OSU with a legitimate low-high offensive attack. The second is Craft and Shannon Scott, who have become a dominant perimeter defensive unit.
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