EJ Liddell missed two games with what the state of Ohio described as a non-COVID-19 disease. The Buckeyes lost one of those games. But the six foot striker is healthy and back on the team now. And he played an important role in the OSU overcoming a 16-point deficit in the second half on Wednesday en route to an eventual 80-68 victory over Rutgers inside the Value City Arena.
The Buckeyes beat Rutgers 48-20 in the final 15 minutes.
They scored 52 points in the second half.
“That was a Heckuvian victory,” said Ohio State coach Chris Holtmann, who looks well on his way to his sixth consecutive appearance at the NCAA Tournament. “We had to be really resilient. We put ourselves in a difficult situation – and part of that was [caused by] how well Rutgers was playing. But players win games. And our boys responded. “
Liddell made 14 shots against Rutgers, hit eight of them and finished with 21 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals in 31 minutes. Illinois ‘second largest is now the Buckeyes’ second highest scorer (15.3. Points per game) and second best rebound (6.5 rebounds per game). Therefore, he is undeniably important – the evidence is that Ohio State is 6-0 with him this season, just 1-1 without him.
The Buckeyes are 16th in the CBS Sports Top 25 And 1 updated college basketball diary. Ohio’s jump from 20th to 16th pushed Michigan State, Duke and Michigan down one position each, through no fault of its own. OSU’s next scheduled game is Saturday at Northwestern, which is 2-0 on the Big Ten after Wednesday’s 74-67 victory over Indiana.
Wanting more analysis of college hoops? Listen below and subscribe to the Eye on College Basketball podcast, where we will take you beyond the forest with inside information and instant reactions.