Ohio State Sees Progress and Defensive Concerns Before UConn

Ohio State built an 18-point halftime lead against Marshall, then watched it shrink to five within the first five minutes of the second half. Coach Jake Diebler used two timeouts as the Buckeyes struggled to contain Marshall’s comeback, before securing an 84-74 win.

Freshman Anthony Thompson scored 11 points and grabbed six rebounds, hitting his first pair of three-pointers this season. He said he is growing more comfortable moving without the ball and finding chances to score. Diebler has stressed that Thompson’s abilities extend beyond shooting.

Jimmie Williams provided a bench boost with a season-high 16 points, along with five rebounds, one assist and one steal over 21 minutes. Diebler said Williams’ ability to attack the paint can draw defenders and create opportunities for teammates.

Ohio State had five players reach double figures. John Mobley Jr. led with 19 points, while Andrija Jelavic scored 11 and Amare Bynum added 10. The Buckeyes scored 36 points in the paint, and Mobley welcomed the shared scoring responsibility.

The defensive showing, however, raises questions before Friday’s matchup with No. 4 UConn. Diebler pointed to insufficient pressure on the ball, poor positioning and missed adjustments. UConn guard Braylon Mullins scored 23 points in a win over Michigan, adding to the challenge Ohio State faces in sustaining its defensive intensity for a full game.