Dave Thurman (12:59 pm)
This post is one in a series by the newly formed Buckeye Bloggers Network in which each member of the BBN will be analyzing individual performances during Tuesday night’s game against Purdue. Drew chose for us to follow Deshaun "Tank" Thomas, which is the reason for the following report.
Purdue came limping into the Schott wincing from an embarrassing seventeen point loss at home to rival Indiana. On the other hand, Ohio State was fresh off a huge win at Wisconsin, and sported a 38-game win streak at home. The recipe for an easy Buckeye victory, right? Well someone forgot to tell the Boilers who shot the lights out from deep, and scored 84 points against what has been a very stingy OSU defense. In the end, the Buckeyes pulled out a three-point win, behind Willam Buford's career high 29-point game. While the Buckeyes looked good on offense, the effort on the other end was poor, and Thad Matta's lack of adjustments caused me to scratch my head in disbelief. In truth Ohio State had not really been tested at home all year, winning by an average of 26.7 per game in Columbus. But with Purdue stuck between huge contests at Wisconsin and versus Michigan State it was the perfect trap game, and the Bucks almost got shocked. Thankfully, a great offensive night by Buford, supported by a solid night from Jared Sulllinger proved to be enough.
Now, on to Deshaun Thomas:
The highlights: There weren't that many, as it was a pretty quiet night for Thomas, who has had moments of excellence this season. Tank did make a couple of 3-point baskets, and outside shooting was critical on this night. With Purdue canning 11-19 from deep, OSU needed every one of the nine they made from beyond the arc. Thomas also grabbed three offensive rebounds, which has become one of his specialties this year. One of those offensive boards came at a critical juncture, when the Buckeyes were down 62-59 with 10 minutes left in the game. Thomas was able to corral his own miss, and complete a three point play after being fouled on a put back, which tied the game up.
This post is one in a series by the newly formed Buckeye Bloggers Network in which each member of the BBN will be analyzing individual performances during Tuesday night’s game against Purdue. Drew chose for us to follow Deshaun "Tank" Thomas, which is the reason for the following report.
Purdue came limping into the Schott wincing from an embarrassing seventeen point loss at home to rival Indiana. On the other hand, Ohio State was fresh off a huge win at Wisconsin, and sported a 38-game win streak at home. The recipe for an easy Buckeye victory, right? Well someone forgot to tell the Boilers who shot the lights out from deep, and scored 84 points against what has been a very stingy OSU defense. In the end, the Buckeyes pulled out a three-point win, behind Willam Buford's career high 29-point game. While the Buckeyes looked good on offense, the effort on the other end was poor, and Thad Matta's lack of adjustments caused me to scratch my head in disbelief. In truth Ohio State had not really been tested at home all year, winning by an average of 26.7 per game in Columbus. But with Purdue stuck between huge contests at Wisconsin and versus Michigan State it was the perfect trap game, and the Bucks almost got shocked. Thankfully, a great offensive night by Buford, supported by a solid night from Jared Sulllinger proved to be enough.
Now, on to Deshaun Thomas:
The highlights: There weren't that many, as it was a pretty quiet night for Thomas, who has had moments of excellence this season. Tank did make a couple of 3-point baskets, and outside shooting was critical on this night. With Purdue canning 11-19 from deep, OSU needed every one of the nine they made from beyond the arc. Thomas also grabbed three offensive rebounds, which has become one of his specialties this year. One of those offensive boards came at a critical juncture, when the Buckeyes were down 62-59 with 10 minutes left in the game. Thomas was able to corral his own miss, and complete a three point play after being fouled on a put back, which tied the game up.
He didn't force any shots which has sometimes been a problem, and only had one turnover. Tank also sank all three of his free throws, including two in the closing seconds, and every point was important in a close game. Thomas’ 13-point game marked the 32nd time in his career he has scored in double figures, something he has accomplished in 21 of OSU’s 24 games this year.
The mediocre: On a night when scoring was in vogue, I would have expected Thomas to have been a little more active. He only took 8 shots, scored slightly under his average, and failed to register an assist (which isn't a huge surprise, although Tank has become a better passer this year). My main beef with the sophomore forward was his defense, or lack of it. Not known for being a stopper, he seemed more lackadaisical than usual against Purdue. He only pulled down two defensive boards and seemed to get caught in switches far to often. Maybe it was just me, but I thought he looked a step slow on defense much of the night, but Thomas wasn't alone in that regard. Overall, he just didn't seem to play with much emotion or energy.
Next up: Saturday's game versus Michigan State. The Spartans are ranked 12th in the nation, and as always bring a physical style of play with them. For Ohio State to win, Thomas needs to be more aggressive, more physical, and more focused. Sure it would be great if he can drop 15-20 against MSU, but what I really want to see is better defensive effort and rebounding. The Spartans grab 10 more boards a game than their opponents. Someone besides Sully has to hit the boards with a passion, so hopefully Thomas will grab his hard hat and lunch pail for this one. It ought to be a classic B1G game and could go a long way to deciding the league champion.
Don't miss out on the other perspectives for the rest of the team:
The Buckeye Battle Cry - BBN Hoops Microscope: Lenzelle Smith Jr. vs. Purdue
The Buckeye Blog - Buford Steps up in Close Win at Purdue
Buckeye House Call - BBN Hoops Microscope: Sully vs. Purdue
Men of Scarlet and Gray - BBN Hoops Microscope: Coaching Staff vs. Purdue
Our Honor Defend - BBN Hoops Microscope: Craft vs. Purdue
The mediocre: On a night when scoring was in vogue, I would have expected Thomas to have been a little more active. He only took 8 shots, scored slightly under his average, and failed to register an assist (which isn't a huge surprise, although Tank has become a better passer this year). My main beef with the sophomore forward was his defense, or lack of it. Not known for being a stopper, he seemed more lackadaisical than usual against Purdue. He only pulled down two defensive boards and seemed to get caught in switches far to often. Maybe it was just me, but I thought he looked a step slow on defense much of the night, but Thomas wasn't alone in that regard. Overall, he just didn't seem to play with much emotion or energy.
Next up: Saturday's game versus Michigan State. The Spartans are ranked 12th in the nation, and as always bring a physical style of play with them. For Ohio State to win, Thomas needs to be more aggressive, more physical, and more focused. Sure it would be great if he can drop 15-20 against MSU, but what I really want to see is better defensive effort and rebounding. The Spartans grab 10 more boards a game than their opponents. Someone besides Sully has to hit the boards with a passion, so hopefully Thomas will grab his hard hat and lunch pail for this one. It ought to be a classic B1G game and could go a long way to deciding the league champion.
Don't miss out on the other perspectives for the rest of the team:
The Buckeye Battle Cry - BBN Hoops Microscope: Lenzelle Smith Jr. vs. Purdue
The Buckeye Blog - Buford Steps up in Close Win at Purdue
Buckeye House Call - BBN Hoops Microscope: Sully vs. Purdue
Men of Scarlet and Gray - BBN Hoops Microscope: Coaching Staff vs. Purdue
Our Honor Defend - BBN Hoops Microscope: Craft vs. Purdue
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