Early games are a chance to learn, and the Ohio State Buckeyes are eager to discover whether lessons from their historic season opener are applied when they host Purdue Fort Wayne on Friday in Columbus, Ohio.
The Buckeyes (1-0) faced a frenetic tempo and lots of fouling from IU Indy in their 118-102 victory on Monday. Ohio State set the program record for points in an opener as well as free throws made (42) in any game.
“That was fun,” said Ohio State guard Bruce Thornton, who scored 26 points.
However, the downside was allowing more than 100 points in regulation for the first time since February 1998.
“Defensively, we’ve still got to work on some stuff, obviously,” said Ohio State center Christoph Tilly. “They scored over 100 points. That can’t happen.”
Enter Purdue Fort Wayne (0-1). The Mastodons lost 90-71 on Monday at Grand Canyon, but coach Jon Coffman likes his team to push the pace and fire away.
Last season, they canned at least 10 3-pointers 18 times, shot 50% or better 11 times and scored 50 in a half eight times — six times against Division I opponents.
“I’ve loved how we played because we space you out with shooting,” Coffman said. “It all starts with shooting with us. That’s how you get space and then playing fast. You’ve got to have good guard players.”
The beneficiary in the first game was DeAndre Craig Jr., who averaged 13.5 points per game for Denver last season. Saddled with two fouls in the first half against Grand Canyon, he scored all 18 of his points in the second half.
Tilly had a resounding debut, too, after playing for Santa Clara the past three seasons. He scored a career-high 28 points with nine rebounds and three assists.
“His efficiency stands out, certainly,” said Ohio State coach Jake Diebler. “His versatility is unique. He’s a true 7-footer and can shoot (3-pointers) and score inside. He can drive and had three assists and one turnover in a game that was designed to turn you over.”
