Ohio State will look to continue the momentum of passing its first test of the season when it meets Western Michigan on Thursday night in Columbus, Ohio.
After defeating Notre Dame 64-63 on Sunday in the first matchup against a major conference opponent, the Buckeyes (4-0) will play two mid-majors before going on the road for the first time Nov. 28 vs. Pitt.
That’s why Ohio State coach Jake Diebler believes it’s crucial to build off the latest victory with another vs. Western Michigan (2-3).
“The fact we were able to win one of these early is important,” he said. “We’ve got guys who have been through a lot of these, especially those of us who have been together last year. This is progress.”
The way the Buckeyes pulled out the win can’t be overlooked moving forward.
Bruce Thornton, who is averaging 25.3 points per game, has been the go-to guy for several seasons, but it was Santa Clara transfer Christoph Tilly who drove the lane for the winning bucket against the Fighting Irish with 13 seconds to play.
Knowing Tilly can score in the clutch is huge, Thornton said.
“Big-time players make big-time plays,” Thornton said. “Coach can scheme something up, but us guys on the court, our teammates have to make those things happen. I’ve got the most ultimate trust for anybody to make that last shot that Tilly made.”
Tilly is a 7-foot center whose presence is needed to counter the Broncos’ Jayden Brewer and Max Burton, each of whom recorded a double-double in an 83-78 loss to South Dakota on Sunday. Brewer collected 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Burton had 10 and 10, respectively.
Coach Dwayne Stephens said he likes what he’s seen from the Broncos, who were picked for 10th in the Mid-American Conference in the preseason coaches poll.
“I think it has to start from our staples,” Stephens said. “We say every single day, defend, rebound, run. If we can rebound at the level that we have been the past few years, as well as improving our defense every day, and becoming one of the top defensive MAC teams, I think there’s no doubt in our minds that we could be at the top.”
