Keys to a Deep Ohio State March Madness Run

Posted By on March 2, 2022

Tweet
Share
Share
0 Shares

Ohio State has not advanced past the first weekend in the NCAA Tournament since 2013. The Buckeyes are long overdue for a deep March Madness run. Could 2022 finally be the year the Buckeye Nut House has been yearning for?

Unfortunately many questions surround the program in March. Ohio State coach Chris Holtmann has seen modest success in March winning both first round games in his first two seasons at the helm.

However, the pandemic canceled a potential tournament run for the Buckeyes. At least the Buckeye faithful can take solace in the fact that they were crowned National Champions by a simulation.

Last season the Buckeyes made it all the way to the Big Ten Tournament Championship game where they fell in overtime to Illinois. After earning a No. 2 overall seed the Buckeyes were stunned in an upset to No. 15 seed Oral Roberts.

It is safe to say Holtmann’s performance in March has been mixed. He has shown some flashes, but it feels as if the Buckeyes were always a step or so away from making a deep run.

However, this March could be different if the Buckeyes follow this script.

Trust Malaki Branham to do his thing

The true freshman has been as good as advertised the last few games. Averaging 23.25 points per game in the last four contests Branham is making a strong late push for Big Ten Freshman of the Year.

 

His performance of late as propelled him into the first round of NBA mock drafts. There is a strong possibility Branham will be gone after the season. Therefore, the Buckeyes should not be afraid to let him take control of games late.

Branham has showed so far he is breaking past the freshman wall that usually plagues younger players near the end of the season. Holtmann and the Ohio State coaching staff should feel confident in relying on Branham in crunch time down the stretch.

Keep Kyle Young fresh

The heart and soul of the Buckeyes has always been a key cog in the success of the team. Kyle Young’s injuries kept him out of the NCAA Tournament last season

Young makes plenty of plays that don’t appear on the stat sheet. His hustle and defense is so critical for Ohio State.

Despite only averaging 8.5 points per game and 5 rebounds per game Young is arguably one of the most important players for this team. He has proved himself to be a capable three-point shooter and can also guard bigs down in the post. Overall, Young could be one of the most valuable assets to this team due to his all around play.

Last year Young missed the final stretch of games in March due to injuries. His absence against Illinois and Oral Roberts could be seen as one of the reasons why Ohio State lost both games.

It is imperative the training staff makes sure Kyle Young is “all systems go” for the Big Ten Tournament and the NCAA Tournament.

Keep E.J. Liddell out of foul trouble

There is no denying E.J. Liddell is the best player on this roster. Liddell is the Buckeyes best offensive weapon and best post player.

Liddell who is averaging 19.3 points per game has made a strong case for theย Naismith Men’s College Player of the Year.

However, college basketball is a cruel place in single elimination games.

It is imperative that Liddell remains out of foul trouble because he is such an important asset for the Buckeyes.

Look for teams to attack Liddell in hopes of drawing some bogus could calls.ย This is not saying that Liddell has had foul trouble in the past, it is just something to keep an eye on given the wildness of the tournaments and the unpredictability of officials.

The future first round pick has a chance to leave a lasting mark on the program.

A shooter has to get hot

The Buckeyes have a lot of shooters, but none of them have truly played consistently.

Cedric Russell, Jamari Wheeler, Justin Ahrens, Meechie Johnson, and Eugene Brown all have the potential to get hot.

If I had to personally guess I would go with Cedric Russell given his performances against Duke, Purdue, Michigan, and Maryland. However, that is just my take as I believe he is the most natural shooter on the team.

Justin Arhens seems as if he is more than due to catch fire down the stretch. Additionally Jamari Wheeler, Meechie Johnson, and Eugene Brown have all been streaky too.

It doesn’t matter who gets hot the Buckeyes just consistently need two of these guys to catch fire each game and the team should be able to stand with anyone in the country.

Avoid collapsing in the final minutes

It feels like a sick joke that has gone on too long. No lead is safe with this team the last two seasons.

Even if the Buckeyes are up by double digits it always feels as if they let their foot off the gas and opponents sneak back into games.

The Buckeyes need to stop trying to run clock near the end of games and attack the other team.

The Rutgers, Indiana, and Illinois games this season are all prime examples of what not to do in the last few minutes when the Buckeyes have a lead.

The Verdict

It is impossible to gauge this team. If the Buckeyes truly show up they can undoubtedly beat anyone in the country. However, if they play down to their competition anyone can upset them.

Realistically a berth in the Sweet Sixteen would be a great way for Chris Holtmann to build his program.

As always with this team March should be interesting this year.

Tweet
Share
Share
0 Shares