It’s official—the Ohio State Buckeyes have achieved success out of nothing. For most of the season, the Buckeyes’ situation appeared dire, as evidenced by a 17-game losing skid in away games dating back to the previous season. But after coach Chris Holtmann was fired and assistant Jake Diebler was named interim head coach, Ohio State started to turn things around. On Sunday afternoon, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights were defeated 73-51 by the Buckeyes. Playing away from home, Ohio State’s second victory of the season completed the regular season.
Ohio State hopes to finish the regular season the way they began it back in November—by winning four out of five games—despite the numerous setbacks they have experienced this year. Their final destination is Piscataway, New Jersey, where they play Rutgers.
Following the dismissal of head coach Chris Holtmann following OSU’s defeat to Wisconsin on February 13, the team seemed to be settling down. Under interim head coach Jake Diebler, they have won three straight games and are now 4-1. In Diebler’s first game as an interim head coach, they defeated No. 3 Purdue. And they ended their program-record 17-game losing streak on the road by defeating Michigan State with a game-winning goal.
The travel to Jersey on Sunday The Buckeyes’ first road game since their victory in East Lansing will take place at Mike’s Arena. It’s
Given that Sunday is the Scarlet Knights’ senior night, expect an even noisier atmosphere. It will be tough for the Buckeyes to succeed.
But although OSU is struggling to emerge from its winter slump, Rutgers has recently experienced some setbacks, which OSU would be wise to take advantage of.
