The Buckeyes’ 96 factors had been their most since Dec. 7, 2019, when Ohio State hung 106 on Penn State on the Schott. The Buckeyes’ 20 assists had been their a lot of the yr. With six gamers scoring not less than 10 factors, Ohio State had two extra double-digit scorers than it’s had in any recreation this season.

As spectacular as that final stat is, it might be much more notable that 4 of the Buckeyes to complete in double figures had been true freshmen. Chris Holtmann mentioned within the preseason that Bruce Thornton, Brice Sensabaugh, Roddy Gayle Jr. and Felix Okpara would play important roles for the Buckeyes all yr, however by no means earlier than has he acquired such heavy contributions from all 4 in a single recreation.

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Simply how uncommon a feat was it? The final time 4 true freshmen scored in double digits for the Buckeyes was eight years in the past, when D’Angelo Russell, Keita Bates-Diop, Kam Williams and Jae’Sean Tate all put up not less than 10 in a Dec. 22, 2014 win in opposition to Miami (Ohio).

However the way in which the Buckeyes have spoken about their freshmen class all season, no person’s all that stunned.

“Coach Holtmann’s doing an incredible job of protecting us all engaged. In observe all of us work exhausting, all of us compete. And this workforce is actually deep. We received lots of freshmen competing for spots, and lots of freshmen who can play,” Tanner Holden mentioned after the sport. “So I believe that simply makes our workforce deeper. I believe total we’ve lots of versatility. That is one factor I believe everybody who’s got here up right here has mentioned. So I believe that we are able to play with anyone. I believe total we’re only a very, very stable workforce in all sides of the sport.”

Sensabaugh dropped 15 factors in opposition to the Purple Flash, however that was to be anticipated. The 6-foot-6 wing was already tied for the workforce lead in factors coming into the sport, and he had already scored not less than 15 factors on 4 earlier events for Ohio State.

Sensabaugh was comparatively quiet early after a four-point evening in opposition to Duke on Wednesday, however discovered his rhythm within the second half to attain 9 factors on 4 pictures. Two of these had been 3-pointers, and one long-range connection resulted in a four-point play after a foul. All of Sensabaugh’s second-half factors got here amid a 24-2 Ohio State run that prolonged a 12-point Buckeye result in 34 by the 5:17 mark.

If there was an surprising efficiency of the 4, it was Okpara’s double-double, because the first-year heart posted career-highs in each factors (10) and rebounds (12). Earlier than Saturday, the 6-foot-11 large man had not scored greater than 4 factors or pulled down greater than 4 boards in an Ohio State recreation. 

“I believe Felix’s rebounding, his protection and his defensive consciousness within the put up has to get higher and develop. However he is a very prepared learner. He is an incredible listener,” Holtmann mentioned. “He needs to get higher. Pay attention, he is a freshman large. We’re gonna see ups and downs with him all yr. However it was good to see him have some success.”

In truth, Okpara had a double-double within the second half alone, scoring 10 factors on 3-for-7 capturing – together with a late 3-pointer – and corralling 10 boards within the ultimate 20 minutes. Placing up factors is hardly Okpara’s major goal early in his faculty profession, however he proved Saturday that he’ll definitely rating them if given the chance.

“Protection, that is why I test in. Attempt to get extra defensive rebounds, crash the glass on the offensive facet. And for me, scoring proper now could be a bonus,” Okpara mentioned. “I love to do the little stuff, like set screens, diving on the ground, primarily simply protection.”

Behind Sensabaugh, Thornton was Ohio State’s second-leading scorer with 13 factors on 5-for-10 capturing in opposition to St. Francis. Thronton’s emergence started within the Maui Invitational, however it’s unquestionably carried over within the two video games since. The Buckeyes’ start line guard has now scored not less than 11 factors in 4 of his previous 5 video games, and the Thornton had 9 within the one recreation he didn’t.

Thornton’s effectivity on offense has impressed as effectively. Previously 5 video games, Thornton’s shot 56% from the sphere and 58% from 3-point vary.

“(Thornton is) actually, actually necessary. Regular is a good way of placing it. He’s actually regular,” Holtmann mentioned. “I imply, simply actually mature and regular, makes good choices. He is capturing it like we noticed him shoot all of it summer season, the place he is gonna make in all probability extra open threes than he is gonna miss. We have seen that each one summer season with him based mostly on his capturing numbers. After which he is only a actually good decision-maker.”

Gayle added 12 factors for the Buckeyes on 5-for-6 capturing and hit 4 of his 5 makes an attempt throughout a 10-point effort within the second half. It was a career-high recreation for Gayle as effectively, as he had not scored greater than 9 factors in any of his first seven faculty video games. Previously 4 video games earlier than Saturday, Gayle totaled solely 5 factors with two scoreless video games in that stretch.

However Holtmann mentioned Gayle’s protection could also be extra priceless for the Buckeyes at this stage, and he’s assured he’ll proceed to see enhancements within the freshman’s offensive repertoire over the course of the season.

“He is a two-way participant. His protection is forward of his offense proper now, and that is wonderful. We’d like his defensive presence,” Holtmann mentioned. “And he isn’t a foul offensive participant, it is simply he is nonetheless studying the sport, stuff is quick. You noticed the Duke play the place he had it transition and turned it over. However man, he is a very, actually good child. And I believe he is solely going to get higher in entrance of our eyes. I believe we’ll see with Roddy, if he has the fitting mindset, I actually assume we’ll see development in him come February. I actually imagine that.”

All 4 freshmen performed not less than 16 minutes within the blowout win, and Holtmann made it clear that gained’t all the time be the case as Ohio State performs harder opponents sooner or later. However as for the potential of the group, it was by no means extra evident than in Saturday’s contest.

“Good simply to see them play. Typically guys will play these sort of minutes, typically they will not play these sort of minutes,” Holtmann mentioned. “So after they have these minutes in entrance of them, they clearly received to proceed to develop and get higher.”