An interesting stat. Big Gain is 89 years old

Vegas likes OSU by 2.5

I'll take Ohio State by 5. Book it!

As much as I hate it, I'm pulling for OSU in this one. I still think that UK/OSU game last year was the best of the tournament, and I'd love a chance to play it again. Plus, bragging rights would be on the line.

per 610

[h=6]If you want to wish the Buckeyes luck in the Final Four, Ohio State says the team will head to the airport Wednesday at around 5 PM. Fans are invited to line High St. between Woodruff & West 11th as the bus makes its way to Port Columbus. Go Bucks![/h]

Well, not sure how meaningful this game will be since so many "experts" have already crowned UK as national champs. They make this game sound like a consolation game. :rolleyes:

Kentucky is the best team, no question about it, but as we saw last year the best team does not always win. There is no way that UConn was the best team in the tournement last year but they were the hottest team at the right time. To beat Kentucky you need to rebound the ball and eliminate all the easy breakout baskets that they get (easier said than done) but in a half court game I think either Ohio State or Kansas would have a chance to beat them. If Ohio State beats Kansas in what should be a great game I think Sullinger can get Davis in foul trouble. The key for either a win over Kansas or Kentucky is Buford, he must play at a high level, without him OSU is probably done unless someone else (Craft, Smith) just light it up. The Buckeyes have salvaged their season by getting this far, to finish it off with a NC would be great.

A friend of mine is taking grad classes at ksu. She will be watching the game in Lawrence Saturday. She asked for some shit talking shirt ideas. I told her I'd come here and get some ideas... Anybody got anything?

Like, shit against KU?

Not a very good idea if she's gonna be in Lawrence lol that's like a jew going into Nazi-occupied Germany circa 1942

SportsAndLady;1128864 wrote:Like, **** against KU?

Not a very good idea if she's gonna be in Lawrence lol that's like a jew going into Nazi-occupied Germany circa 1942

Believe me, she could care less. Nobody would touch her. She's smoking hot. They might talk shit back. But pretttty sure that's what she's going for.

sleeper;1128049 wrote:I'll take Ohio State by 5. Book it!

Praying you are correct... can I take it to the bank?

Cleveland Buck;1127685 wrote:Releford can't guard Thomas on the block. Hopefully DeShaun would understand that if that is the matchup. If I were Kansas I would put Robinson on Thomas and the white guy on Sullinger. Robinson can guard Thomas anywhere, and the Withey has the length and size to bother Sullinger down low. I fear it is going to come down to getting 20 out of Buford to win this one.

I would settle for 15 from Buford.

holdingout;1128927 wrote:I would settle for 15 from Buford.

and efficient. I think that is the biggest thing. When he goes 3-15, that is 12 possesions that are basically wasted. If he goes 4-9 and hits most of his FT's, I would be happy.

I will give everyone iPads if OSU wins by 5.

LJ;1128940 wrote:and efficient. I think that is the biggest thing. When he goes 3-15, that is 12 possesions that are basically wasted. If he goes 4-9 and hits most of his FT's, I would be happy.

I agree with this. And down the stretch, I think he has been doing this. He hasn't forced things like he was in Feb. when OSU was struggling. On occasion, yes. I think he realizes he doesn't have to be the man. Others guys are taking up the slack right now. Craft is being more aggressive offensively. Smith as well. And Thomas has been lights out. If OSU continues to get this balance, KU will have a tough time IMO. That being said, if Buford is ON, it does take OSU to another level. A level they would need for any chance to beat UK if they get by KU.

Midstate01;1128870 wrote:Believe me, she could care less. Nobody would touch her. She's smoking hot. They might talk shit back. But pretttty sure that's what she's going for.

pics?

Timber;1128897 wrote:Praying you are correct... can I take it to the bank?

Don't pray, but take it to the bank. I haven't been wrong so far!

sleeper;1128980 wrote:Don't pray, but take it to the bank. I haven't been wrong so far!

Neither has two thirds of the people filling out brackets this year. Good call. LOL

Just read, in NCAAs Buford is 10/21 on open shots and 3/24 (2/12 last 2 games) on contested shots. OSU needs to get him open, which is increasingly more difficult with better defensive teams on the horizon.

Laley23;1129116 wrote:Just read, in NCAAs Buford is 10/21 on open shots and 3/24 (2/12 last 2 games) on contested shots. OSU needs to get him open, which is increasingly more difficult with better defensive teams on the horizon.

Just curious. Where did you read that? I would guess most people shoot a much higher percentage on open shots, but have no idea what the stats would look like.

The defenses are going to be pretty good from here on out.

Interesting stats on ESPN ticker. Last game. While Craft guarded Taylor, he was 1-5, with 6 turnovers. I think this is the matchup that makes or breaks this game. KU goes as Taylor goes.

Laley23;1129116 wrote:Just read, in NCAAs Buford is 10/21 on open shots and 3/24 (2/12 last 2 games) on contested shots. OSU needs to get him open, which is increasingly more difficult with better defensive teams on the horizon.

I'd say getting 21 open looks through 4 games is pretty good at getting someone open looks. At this level, players have to be able to make difficult shots as well. And as we know, when Buford is played close, or goes to the basket, he just isn't very good. Teams have figured out that when you are physical with him, or make him take it to the basket, he is much less efficient.

Really? 5 open looks is good or a guy taking more than double that a game. We have different views of good than.

Laley23;1129138 wrote:Really? 5 open looks is good or a guy taking more than double that a game. We have different views of good than.

At this level, getting a good open look 5 times a game off of set plays or through your offense is pretty decent IMO. Especially this far into the season when these teams have had a chance to look over the film of an entire season, scout. U figure through broken plays or transition, he is going to get more looks on top of that. Even though Buford has struggled this season, he still needs to be guarded closely. As mentioned above, they are going to get up into him and force him to put it on the floor. Which is quite obvious. Besides Thomas, he is pretty much the focus of shutting down the perimeter game. I think teams know, if Buford goes off, OSU would be extremely tough to beat as they were early in the season.
Of course, I guess this could depend on what the definition of "open looks" actually is.

As I have mentioned before. I am not so concerned with Buford getting his shots/points right now. He is playing good defense, and rebounding the ball. He isn't forcing things as he did in Feb when OSU was struggling. Other players have stepped up to take up his lack of offense. Thta wasn't happening when OSU was struggling. I'd be happy with Bufording getting 10-15pts without chucking it up 15 times.

Laley23;1129116 wrote:Just read, in NCAAs Buford is 10/21 on open shots and 3/24 (2/12 last 2 games) on contested shots. OSU needs to get him open, which is increasingly more difficult with better defensive teams on the horizon.

Thank you for this Laley :rolleyes: