Double dose of bad news halts Ohio State's momentum
Just when it seemed Ohio State was on the verge of getting back into the hunt for an NCAA tournament bid, the Buckeyes endured a double dose of bad news that halted their momentum.
First they learned standout wing Jae'Sean will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery on Friday. Then they squandered a chance at a badly needed marquee win when they fell 81-62 at home to Michigan State on Tuesday night.
Bryn Forbes scored 27 points and sank seven 3-pointers to help Michigan State extend a five-point halftime lead to an insurmountable margin. The 19-point victory was the largest the Spartans have scored against the Buckeyes during Thad Matta's tenure.
Tuesday night's loss leaves Ohio State 18-11 overall and 10-6 in the Big Ten, but don't let that respectable conference record fool you. The Buckeyes would be nowhere close to the NCAA tournament bubble if the season ended today because their record against quality teams is poor.
Ohio State has the resume of an NIT team thanks to a 2-8 record against RPI top 100 opponents and a trio of losses to sub-100 teams Memphis, Texas Arlington and Louisiana Tech. The Buckeyes do have victories over Kentucky and Michigan, but the next best team they've beaten might be Northwestern.
The only hope Ohio State has of getting back into the hunt for an NCAA bid is its daunting remaining schedule. If the Buckeyes can stun Iowa at home and Michigan State in Columbus, that could be enough to get them back within striking distance entering the Big Ten tournament.
That goal seemed remote before Tate's injury. It's even more unlikely without the valuable scorer and versatile defender.
Tate had started all 28 games prior to Tuesday and was averaging 11.7 points and 6.4 rebounds. Ohio State's release noted he had been battling the shoulder injury for awhile, but he clearly aggravated it during Saturday's victory against Nebraska.
Freshman Mickey Mitchell started in Tate's place against Michigan State and went scoreless in 21 minutes. Ohio State got just 10 points from its bench as a whole.
LeBron James, other Cavaliers react to Anderson Varejao joining Warriors
By Feb 23, 2016, 2:30 PM ESTents
There was a segment of Cavaliers fans (maybe a small segment) who were angry withAnderson Varejao for signing with “the enemy” — the Golden State Warriors. The team in Cleveland’s path to a ring. They felt betrayed — although why anyone thinks Varejao should be loyal to Cleveland after they shipped him out the door for Channing Frye is beyond me. Loyalty is a two-way street, don’t show it and you don’t get it.
The Cavaliers players didn’t love the idea of their friend on a team they could meet in the Finals, but they understood the business side of it. Chris Haynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer collected the quotes from key Cavaliers on Varejao wearing blue and gold in California now.
LeBron James said he didn’t have a problem with it.
“Not at all,” James said. “The man has to work. He’s got to work.”
Kevin Love joked around but understood.
“They’re going to get all of our intel now,” Love joked. “Nah, but seriously, I’m happy for him. He goes to obviously a very good team. It’s tough losing a brother like that and what he meant to this city, this organization. He was beloved here…. Yeah, it’s bittersweet,” he said. “I wish him the best in his career and I want him to play well. Just not against us.”
Tristan Thompson wants his friend to be happy.
“It’s a business,” Thompson said. “He wants to keep playing ball, so whatever is the best fit for him and whatever he’s looking for, you have to be happy for him. Andy was more than just a teammate, he was a friend, a big brother, and so wherever he can go to keep playing, I’m happy for him, even with him being with the Warriors.”
If/when the Cavaliers and Warriors meet in the NBA Finals, it’s unlikely Varejao will play a big role in that series for the Warriors. He’s needed more now with Festus Ezeli out for another month following an injury and Andrew Bogut not able to take on too heavy a load. This gives the Warriors options now, and even more versatility going forward.
But if Varejao gets a ring at the expense of the Cavaliers, that’s going to sting.
No comments:
Post a Comment