OSU freshman guard A.J. Harris (12) passes the ball to a teammate in a game against Rutgers on Jan. 13 at the Schottenstein Center. OSU won, 94-68. Credit: Samantha Hollingshead | Photo Editor The Ohio State men’s basketball team is set to head east to square off against third-ranked Maryland on Saturday. Both teams are tied for third place in the Big Ten with 4-1 marks, making this a showdown for sole possession of third place in the conference. The Buckeyes enter the matchup with a 12-6 record, having won 10 of their last 12 games. The Scarlet and Gray have been playing considerably better basketball over the past three weeks after a nightmarish start to the season. That improvement, perhaps, could be attributed to continued improved performance from freshman point guard JaQuan Lyle, who is coming off his first career triple-double in the Buckeyes’ 94-68 win over Rutgers. In the game, Lyle scored 16 points and 12 rebounds and 11 assists for the fifth triple-double in school history. And in the game prior against Indiana, though OSU was blown out, Lyle was the lone bright spot, scoring 29 points. Despite carding two consecutive big performances, OSU coach Thad Matta told Lyle he doesn’t want him to be satisfied with statistics. “My biggest thing with him, and I told him this, I want him to continue to prepare,” Matta said. “I want him to continue to work hard and embrace the challenge of playing college basketball.” On the year, Lyle is averaging 10.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. However, the focus will turn to Lyle’s defense, as it could prove to be the key for the Buckeyes to steal a win on the road…
Continue Reading: Tough road test versus No. 3 Maryland a game Ohio State men’s basketball has ‘got to win’
