The final score was close, but Ohio State went wire-to-wire in a “close” win over Cleveland State. Justin Ahrens got the start because EJ Liddell is out indefinitely with COVID-19. Without Liddell, Duane Washington and CJ Walker led the charge for the Buckeyes, and Zed Key provided a spark of the bench for the Buckeyes.
Best Performances
Justice Sueing really struggled in this one, with 9 points on just 2-8 shooting. However, Duane Washington scored 17 points, CJ Walker had 16, and Zed Key had 12 points plus 10 rebounds. Those three combined for 45 of the 67 points scored, but the Buckeyes continued their overall balance offensively.
Looking Ahead
Ohio State has 2 huge games coming up. Ohio State has to play #22 North Carolina and #19 Rutgers in back-to-back games. But before that, Ohio State has to travel to play the always challenging Purdue Boilermakers. The status of Liddell is extremely important in deciding the outcome of those two Buckeyes games. Seth Towns is expected back soon, and his arrival will be huge for this offense, with or without Liddell.
Next Game: 12/16 @ Purdue (7:00 PM on Big Ten Network)
Photo: Barbara J. Perenic
