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Terence Dials [left] and Tony Stockman - the Center and Shooting Guard for the Buckeyes seem to be what makes them go this year. The duo is averaging almost 30 points a game, Dials has scored in double figures 13 of the last 15 games. Stockman is the go-to guy beyond the arc. He's already attempted 142 3 pointers, just over 7 per game. He makes about a third of them. The Bucks also like to shoot from long range as a team - they boast a .391 average from beyond the arc. Also starting to awaken is Brandon Fuss-Cheatham [right]. The Buckeye Point Guard is suddenly hitting his shots - he scored 15 against Penn State. The other Shooting Guard, J.J. Sullinger, is also lighting up the court - averaging in double figures [10.6] and grabbing 5.6 rebounds a game. Forward Ivan Harris is also no slouch - averaging 9.1 points a game, and super sub Je'Kel Foster, who scored 14 [4 of 5 treys] is able to average 8 ppg coming off the bench. Matt Sylvester [left] is also averaging over 6 points a game But there are a few holes in the Buckeye game. They have trouble finishing a game - 3 of the last 4 games, they've led in the 2nd half only to lose. They're hot and cold with spotty defensive play a criticism leveled at the team. Indiana held them to just 5 points in the final 5 minutes to pull away with their win. They also tend to turn the ball over at the wrong time. At LSU they turned over the ball twice in the last 30 seconds. Minnesota recorded 6 TOs in the last 5 minutes. Dials and Stockman [left] both average over 2 turnovers a game. Opponents also have 142 steals against the Bucks - about 7 per game. The biggest problem is finishing a game - according to their coach; "Down the stretch, we're still trying to find who can get the job done," Thad Matta said in the Lantern. "I'd say we probably lead the country in substitutions in the last four minutes of the game, trying to find out who can handle the ball and who can defend. But the Buckeyes are still improving fast under Matta who came over from Xavier after all the "issues" Ohio State had with the basketball program. He's a winner, amassing a 102-31 record in his previous four years as a head coach, has never had a losing record as a head man, and has had his teams play in NCAA tournaments 3 of 4 years. He's a natural, he comes from Hoopeston, Illinois. Positives Brandon Fuss-Cheatham found his shot against Penn State - he hit for 15. The Bucks don't get rattled and foul - only 4 players have fouled out of the 20 games so far. They can shoot from long range - they're on track to finish the year as the #2 Big 10 team ever in scoring 3 pointers. Negatives Road Record - the Bucks are 0-5 on the road and 0-3 in the conference. Turnovers at the wrong time - No "Go To" guy at the end of a close game Teams can shut down Terence Dials - Penn State did it Wednesday. Recovering from the loss of a star - Mike Darby is no longer in Columbus - he pretty much ran the team last year, the way Jitim Young did it for the Cats. Injuries "> - nothing significant reported
"Down the stretch, we're still trying to find who can get the job done," Thad Matta said in the Lantern. "I'd say we probably lead the country in substitutions in the last four minutes of the game, trying to find out who can handle the ball and who can defend.
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