Defense Propels Ohio State Buckeyes to 73-56 Win Over Western Michigan Broncos
Ohio State picked up its third win of the season Sunday.
The Buckeyes (3-1, 0-0 Big Ten) defeated the Western Michigan Broncos (0-4, 0-0 Mid-American) 73-56 in the first game of the Emerald Coast Classic after a dominant team performance from Ohio State.
Although the Broncos kept it close early on, the Buckeyes eventually went on a 21-3 run in the middle of the first half to put Ohio State up 30-9 with eight minutes remaining in the half.
Ohio State shot 40 percent from three, including three, three-pointers from senior guard transfers Jamison Battle and Dale Bonner to add to a big lead.
Although Bonner particularly has had a slow start with the Buckeyes, it seemed he really fit into the 'Baylor guard archetype' Sunday, as he shot the ball well from three and played solid in on-ball perimeter defense.
Additionally, Buckeye big men stepped up on the defensive end. Sophomore Felix Okpara and senior Zed Key combined for six blocks and three steals, effectively limiting the Broncos from scoring inside the paint.
Though Western Michigan stayed with Ohio State early, they overall shot 37.1 percent from the field and 26.9 percent from three. However, sophomore guard Seth Hubbard had 24 points on 56-44 shooting.
The Buckeyes shot the ball well all around but continued to struggle from the free throw line — the team is shooting 71 percent collectively through the team's first four games.
However, Ohio State moved the ball well and found the open man on several occasions — the main reason why five Buckeyes scored in double figures, including Battle, Bonner, Key and sophomore guards Bruce Thornton and Roddy Gayle Jr.
The Buckeyes will take on No. 22 Alabama (4-0, 0-0 SEC) Friday at 7 p.m. EST in the finale of the Emerald Coast Classic in Destin, Florida, streaming on CBS Sports.
