While Ohio State’s offense continues to run through its talented trio of juniors, steady production from its lone senior could make coach Thad Matta’s team all the more formidable. Evan Ravenel looks to build on arguably his best effort of the season Saturday as the No. 7 Buckeyes host UNC Asheville. Leading the way for Ohio State (7-1) are juniors Deshaun Thomas , Lenzelle Smith Jr. and point guard Aaron Craft , who’ve all picked up the pace following last season’s Final Four run. Thomas ranks first in the Big Ten with 20.8 points per game while Smith and Craft are averaging career highs of 10.6 and 9.6, respectively. Sophomore LaQuinton Ross has also come out strong with 10.6 points per contest after seeing limited action in 2011-12. While Thomas scored 21 of his 22 points in the first half during Wednesday’s 85-45 rout of Savannah State, Craft went scoreless for the first time since his freshman season. Smith also had a quiet night with eight points but Ravenel provided a …
Continue Reading: UNC Asheville-Ohio St. Preview (The Associated Press)
