I don’t know if you watched the Ohio State v Purdue game last night but I was so happy to see Jamar Butler carry the Buckeyes to a “must win” victory over the Boilermakers. With only 2 points in the first half, Butler came on to score 23 in the second and made some huge buckets in OT to help the Bucks stay in the Tournament race.

This team has had some serious ups and downs due to their youth. I love the way they play defense, but turnovers and strength inside are really hurting them. I wouldn’t say Koufos is overrated but he should be much more dominant especially against a Purdue team that is a little undersized. He had 15 points but mostly layups and dunks. Coach Matta stayed with Terwilliger for much of the second half even with 4 fouls, Matt exerted himself on defense and on the boards not to mention hitting a key jumper down the stretch.

The Bucks looked to Butler and frosh Turner for much of the scoring in the second half and overtime. Even as much as Turner makes some mistakes, he plays hard and was very good in one-on-one opportunities. Butler was just stroking it in the second half. Using screens he gave himself open looks and buried them when he had the chance. The biggest shots may have been his two free throws in OT that sealed the win. Nothing but net.

The guys are playing hard but again due to their youth, they are not capitalizing when they have the chance and make mistakes when they can’t afford them. I like they way they extend the D with their reach but need to hit the D boards harder. Their offense may rely too much on threes especially Lighty, who always gives great effort, but his stroke leaves something to be desired. Othello Hunter has really come on and once he gets the ball on the block, he goes to the hole strong.

They have their work cut out for them against MSU. The Spartans are a VERY physical and athletic team and are still vying for the Big 10 Championship. The Bucks need to play an almost flawless game and catch a couple breaks along the way. I honestly hope that the Bucks make the Tourney as an at large bid. It always makes March Madness that much more fun. But if they do, I don’t expect them to go too far.

If everyone stays, and they should, the Bucks could really be a contender with the recruits they have coming in. Put Mullins in the post and Koufos out facing the basket, pick up another pure shooter with Diebler, add a much improving Lauderdale with Hunter, and get a point guard to replace Butler, and this could be a very good team in 09.

GO BUCKS!

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