Before last night, even fans sporting the most scarlet-colored glasses would have to admit Sam Thompson's senior season had been nothing short of underachieving.
In an effort that fans and staff alike can only hope will be a turning point, Thompson poured in a career high 22 points on 6/11 from the floor including 3/5 from distance and 7/9 from the stripe in Ohio State's 75-55 spanking of Penn State last night in the Schott.
The 55% shooting night from the floor marked just the 3rd time in the last 10 outings that Thompson cracked 50% from the field and his seven points from the free throw line were a season high.
The most shocking element of Thompson's night saw the Chicago product confidently stroke three triples in five tries. For context, coming into the game, Thompson had misfired on 86% of his three-point tries in conference action, drilling just two three-pointers in 2015 making it a valid question as to why he wasn't yanked for attempting a shot from distance over the last few months. Coming into the game, he had converted just 21% of his triple-tries on the season.
In the 1st half alone, Thompson tossed in 13 points, serving as his most productive full game since January 3rd against Illinois and his two made three-pointers were his most since the season opener against Umass-Lowell.
Thompson's effort was all the more notable considering Thad Matta's recent comments that the team could use more production from its seniors.
| DURATION | G | MPG | PPG | PPS | FG% | 3FG% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | TO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OVERALL | 24 | 30.8 | 9.8 | 1.19 | 48% | 21% | 63% | 3.7 | 2.0 | 1.4 | 1.1 |
| B1G PLAY | 11 | 35.1 | 9.8 | 1.05 | 44% | 14% | 65% | 2.9 | 2.0 | 2.1 | 1.5 |
| PREVIOUS 6 GAMES | 6 | 33.7 | 8.0 | 0.94 | 39% | 20% | 60% | 3.5 | 1.5 | 1.7 | 2.0 |
| LAST NIGHT vs. PSU | 1 | 39.0 | 22.0 | 2.00 | 55% | 60% | 78% | 5.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 2.0 |
As the numbers above show, B1G play had not been kind to Thompson entering last night's tilt especially over the previous six games. Though Ohio State went 4-2 during the stretch, Thompson reached double figures just once, and only five times in 11 conference outings.
Woeful shooting was at the heart of Thompson's struggles before last night as he connected on at least 50% of his shots just once over the previous six outings after opening the B1G slate with 50%+ shooting in three of Ohio State's first five league games.
The six-game skid before last night's outburst also saw Thompson sink to a dismal 0.94 points per shot on 39% shooting from the floor and 60% from the stripe while his assists dropped (1.5 apg) and turnovers increased.
To his credit, though his rebounds per game dipped to 2.9 in conference play before last night, his on-ball defense remained a strength. His efforts in the regard were on full display last night as he helped limit the league's leading scorer, D.J. Newbill, to 16 meaningless points on 5/13 from the floor.
Matta would also attest to Thompson's leadership complimenting his defensive efforts to this point in the season but if Ohio State has any designs on making a run in March, it will no doubt need more consistent scoring punch from Thompson.
The hope is that Sam can build off last night's stellar performance instead of having it serve as a fluke against a B1G bottom feeder.
