The new look Buckeyes used a balance attack including a career high 7 blocks from one Dallas Swatterdale to run away from Delaware State 70-42 tonight in St. John Arena.
The true sophomore added 7 points with his swat count while freshman Wil Buford and David Lighty added 13 apiece to complement Jeremie Simmons' 10 points helping OSU to leads as large as 28 points in Thad Matta's eighth straight season opening win.
The Buckeyes also received 9 points (3/6 treys), 4 rebounds and 3 assists from Jon Diebler and 8 points, 3 rebounds and 3 steals from Evan Turner.
Employing a long 1-2-2 zone press, OSU forced 16 turnovers and held Delaware State to 37% shooting while using a 10-3 run to start the second half to build a 45-25 lead with just over 17 minutes to play.
Nine Buckeyes saw at least 12 minutes of action. I know it was Delaware State but Corey and I both liked what we saw from such a young squad. Here a few quick-hit observations since we know everyone's got their mind on a certain football game slated for high noon Saturday:
- Just like last year, the zone looked long and lean. I think I prefer Matta dedicate the team to full time zone because it's highly effective from a defensive FG% perspective and also because it could allow for Mullens and Lauderdale to stay out of foul trouble and log significant minutes on the floor in tandem.
- Wil Buford looked like a smooth, controlled scorer in his 13 point debut. To his credit, Diebler added 9, 4 and 3 but he better keep it going or Buford might eat into his minutes.
- Is it me or does Mullens look like he might have a switchblade tucked in his sock? If nothing else, as Corey remarked, Mullens is a favorite to lead the country in pencil thin facial hair.
- We were highly disappointed to see Titus let Club Trillion down after scanning the box score to see his 1 rebound. Weak. C'mon, Titus, lead with authority! (check out Club Trillion for a dose of Titus' hilarious stylings) I don't know about you guys but I'm convinced this comment isn't from Mama Titus.
- The point guard position looks to be in good hands with Simmons and Anthony Crater. Simmons can flat our score while Crater likes to lock down on D and can dish the rock though he registered just one dime tonight.
