It is riot time again in Columbus. The burning dumpsters and horseback policemen are in full force because the Ohio State Buckeyes are NIT CHAMPIONS!!
A masterful second half led to a 92-85 win over UMass so after this blog post is finished, I think I’m going to join the mass hysteria on High Street.
Alright, slight exaggeration, but an exciting way to end the season nonetheless.
This team once thought incapable of winning big games or putting teams away down the stretch mowed their way through five teams on the way to the tournament championship. No, it isn’t the big one, but it is still a great way for Jamar Butler, Matt Terwilliger and Othello Hunter to go out after a sour regular season and will make next year’s team infinitely better.
Kosta Koufos was unstoppable in this tournament, and finally stopped committing the silly turnovers and taking the ugly shots that had plagued him and the Bucks for much of the season.
Evan Turner scored 20 in the title game, using a mixture of nice drives, three-pointers and a massive put-back dunk. He also was seen running some point; foreshadowing the state of affairs for next season. Turner is a kid who has got game, he just needs to be harnessed in a little and know when to stay under control and when to pass on certain shots. He will be a future leader of this basketball team.
David Lighty was solid throughout, and Jon Diebler and P.J. Hill at the least had a learning experience.
The Buckeyes teamwork and focus was superior throughout the tourney and they clearly showed a lot of pride and worked hard to win each game. That is what we have come to expect from a Thad Matta coached team. They were relaxed and found a way to shut the door on opposing teams.
This title will be forgotten outside of Columbus within two weeks. But these players and fans will remember this if the Buckeyes are in the Big Dance next year, because this experience has helped them get there.
-Matt Friedman
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