OSU freshman guard JaQuan Lyle (13) during an exhibition game against Walsh on Nov. 9 at the Schottenstein Center. Credit: Khalid Moalim | Multimedia Editor After a long offseason, the Ohio State men’s basketball team is ready to begin its regular season at home Sunday against Mount St. Mary’s at 1 p.m. The youthful Buckeyes, who return only one starter from last season, hope to see improvement from their Nov. 8 exhibition matchup against Walsh University, a 92-82 victory. “I think the greatest thing that came out of Sunday’s game is our guys believe they didn’t play very well,” OSU coach Thad Matta said. “To a man, they each said we have to get better individually, we have to get better collectively.” The Mountaineers, who were ranked first in the annual Northeast Conference preseason coaches poll, have only one previous match up against OSU dating back to Nov. 27, 1989, in which the Buckeyes won 102-63. Matta said the exhibition game against Walsh offered insight to the style of play they will see against Mount St. Mary’s. “They’ve shown fast paced, they’re not afraid to pull a quick three, run a ton of ball-screens, different types of ball-screens,” Matta said. “I think the way Walsh lived and died by the three the other day is probably as good of preparation as we can get going into this game.” Improving the defense Despite a 92-82 victory over Walsh, the Scarlet and Gray were unhappy with their defensive play. Junior forward Marc Loving said it was a big focus area throughout the practice week. “Defense wasn’t a plus on the film this week…
Continue Reading: Youthful Ohio State men’s basketball team ready to open season vs. Mount St. Mary’s
