COLUMBUS, OHIO—It wasn’t the offense, but the defense that was the problem for IU in its 82-70 loss to Ohio State.
IU (15-5, 5-2) shot 52 percent from the field. Junior guard Yogi Ferrell scored 26 points. He now has 1,143 career points at IU, ranking him No. 37 in program history after passing Victor Oladipo. He now trails Cody Zeller for 36th by just 14 points.
By most measures, it was another solid performance for the Hoosier offense.
But the defense had breakdowns. When IU needed stops, they weren’t there. Ohio State shot 62 percent from the field.
Ohio State freshman guard D’Angelo Russell followed up a 33-point performance in his last game with a 22 point game against IU. He also added 10 assists and six rebounds.
It was quite the turnaround for the freshman who was just 3-for-15 and had 13 points against the Hoosiers earlier this month at Assembly Hall.
Russell appeared to be there for a blow whenever Ohio State needed it. He hit back-to-back 3-pointers to give Ohio State a 62-50 lead with 8:45 left in the second half.
IU sophomore forward Collin Hartman stayed hot for IU. He connected on four 3-pointers. He has now hit 11 3-pointers in four games as a starter. He had hit nine in every game previous to starting.
With the loss, IU drops out of first place in the conference.
Sam Beishuizen
