To the extent that there were naysayers, Jake Diebler wanted to be sure to thank them. It wasn’t exactly a secret that E.J. Liddell, and by extension, Ohio State hadn’t looked quite the same since returning from COVID-19 pause. The numbers tell the story, as did Thursday’s 16-point defeat at Indiana, but the body of work was still there. Liddell was the same player who had averaged 20.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.0 blocks and 2.7 assists while playing his way into national player of the year consideration. So when adversity landed another blow, and the Buckeyes lost coach Chris Holtmann and assistant Ryan Pedon for Sunday’s home game with Northwestern due to COVID-19, acting head coach Jake Diebler put his trust in the hands of the team’s upperclassmen. Liddell, in particular, delivered with a career-high 34 points to key a 95-87 win. After going 12 for 20 from the floor,…
Continue Reading: Fueled by doubters, E.J. Liddell puts up career night in Ohio State win
