COLUMBUS — Ohio State coach Thad Matta has been wondering about his team’s toughness. Not anymore. Marc Loving matched his career high with 19 points and D’Angelo Russell added 18 points and 14 rebounds to lead Ohio State to an 80-56 victory over No. 16 Maryland on Thursday. The Buckeyes (17-5, 6-3 Big Ten), at times a timid bunch on the boards this season, dominated the Terrapins (18-4, 6-3) on the glass (51-32) and on defense. “We played tougher,” Matta said. “We were quick to the ball. For the most part, guys did what they were supposed to. We rebounded the ball well, we rebounded out of our area. We did a good job of the rotations defensively and walled guys up.” The doubts now belong to the Terrapins. “I guess we weren’t tough enough,” swingman Evan Smotrycz said. “It’s as simple as that.” Coach Mark Turgeon added, “I don’t know if I’ve ever had a team get outrebounded like that. I’ll have to look. I doubt it.” Jae’Sean Tate, starting his third game in a row, added 16 points and eight rebounds for the Buckeyes, who have won three in a row — including the last two over ranked opponents at home. Loving was benched last week after a sorry defensive effort. …
Continue Reading: College basketball: Ohio State crashes the boards to bask No. 16 Maryland
