Men’s Basketball Returns Home To Face No. 9 Illinios – Ohio State Buckeyes
1/28/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Jan. 28, 2002
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Date Jan. 29, 2002
Opponent No. 9 Illinois
Site Value City Arena (19,200)
Game Time 7 p.m. (EST)
TV ESPN
Local TV None
TV Talent Dave Barnett (P-by-P), Quinn Buckner (Color)
Radio OSU Radio Network (64 stations)
Local Radio WBNS FM-97.1 AM-1460
Radio Talent Paul Keels (P-by-P), Ron Stokes (Color)
No. 20 Ohio State Buckeyes
Probable Starters (15-3, 6-1)
G 4 – Brent Darby, 6-1, Jr.
G 21 – Boban Savovic, 6-5, Sr.
G 13 – Brian Brown, 6-4, Sr.
C 14 – Velimir Radinovic, 7-0, So.
F 33 – Zach Williams, 6-7, So.
No. 9 University of Illinois
Probable Starters (15-5, 4-3)
G 13 – Cory Bradford, 6-3, Sr.
G 30 – Frank Williams, 6-3, Jr.
C 21 – Robert Archibald, 6-11, Sr.
F 23 – Blandon Ferguson, 6-4, Jr.
F 34 – Brian Cook, 6-10, Jr.
Brown Heats Up in League Play
Senior captain Brian Brown has led or tied for the team lead in scoring in 5-of-7 Big Ten games this year. Brown is averaging a team high 17.1 points in Big Ten play, including a career-high 26 points in the recent win over Indiana. He is connecting on 53 percent (45-85) of his shots in Big Ten play.
Ohio State Cracks Both Polls
Ohio State earned Top 25 recognition in both the Associated Press and ESPN/USA Today polls (1/21). The Buckeyes were rated No. 20 in the AP and No. 23 in the ESPN/USA Today polls, marking the first ranking since playing Iowa as the No. 24 team in early March of 2001. Ohio State has a record of 301-95 (.760) while playing as a ranked team in the Associated Press Poll.
Dials on Pace to Set OSU Freshman Record
Ohio State freshman Terence Dials is shooting nearly 70 percent (44-63) from the field in 18 games as a Buckeye. He leads the Big Ten in field goal percentage in league games, connecting on 67 percent (22-33) of his shots in league play. Dials is well on his way to setting an Ohio State freshman record for field goal percentage. Jermaine Tate is the current record holder with a .569 (115-202) shooting percentage as a freshman in 1996.
Dials, Williams Lead Big Ten From Field
Freshman Terence Dials and sophomore Zach Williams are a combined 52-of-84 (.619) from the field in league games. Dials leads the conference, hitting 22-of-33 (.667) while Williams is No. 4 (30-51, .588).
Ohio State 10-2 at VCA vs. Ranked Teams
Ohio State has faced 12 ranked opponents at Value City Arena since the facility opened for the start of the 1998-99 season. Ohio State is 4-1 against Top 10 teams, which includes a 72-62 victory over No. 9 Iowa Jan. 5. The Buckeyes are 123-192 all-time vs. teams ranked in the Associated Press Poll.
Buckeyes Show Up in NCAA Statistics
Ohio State (as of Jan. 21) is rated No. 2 nationally in field goal percentage (50.5), No. 7 in scoring defense (58.7) and winning percentage (87.5), 13th in scoring margin (14.9 ppg.) and 27th in rebound margin (6.6).
Ohio State Welcomes Illinois To VCA
Ohio State enters its home matchup with Illinois following a road loss to Minnesota. Ohio State is 15-3 overall and 6-1 in the Big Ten. Illinois is 15-5 overall and 4-3 in the league following a win at home over Wisconsin and a road loss to Indiana.
Ranked Buckeyes 16-11 Record vs. Illini
Illinois owns the series lead with a 95-57 all-time record vs. the Buckeyes. Ohio State is 36-38 in games played in Columbus and 21-56 on the road in Champaign. Illinois is 1-0 in neutral-site contests. Ohio State was ranked No. 20 in the Jan. 21 Associated Press Poll before games with Michigan and Minnesota last week. Illinois was No. 9. Ohio State has faced Illinois 27 times when ranked in the AP Top 25. The Buckeyes have won 16 of those meetings. Illinois has entered games with the Buckeyes as a ranked team 37 times with a 29-8 record vs. Ohio State in those contests. Illinois owns a 6-2 advantage in games when both teams are ranked. The two wins for Ohio State when both teams are ranked were in Columbus, the last being a 76-67 win for the No. 12 Buckeyes over the No. 7 Illini Jan. 28, 1969.
Williams Runs Show for Illini
Junior Frank Williams, the preseason favorite to earn 2002 Big Ten Player of the Year, is the leading scorer for the Illini with 16.8 points a contest. Williams also is the team leader in assists with 4.3 a contest. Illinois also has three other players scoring in double digits. Junior Brian Cook (11.8 ppg.), senior Cory Bradford (11.5) and senior Robert Archibald (11.5) round out the top scorers for Illinois. Senior Damir Krupalija leads the team in rebounding with 6.2 a contest.
The Buckeyes vs. Illinois
Senior Brian Brown leads the Buckeyes with a 10.8 scoring average against Illinois in six career games. Brown has connected on over 54 percent (25-46) of his shots from the field and 75 percent of his free throws (12-16) against Illinois. Junior Brent Darby averages 9.3 points vs. Illinois in three career games.
Illinois Takes Advantage of Home Court
Illinois is 10-0 at home following a recent win over Wisconsin. The Illini own a 5-1 record in neutral site games. The only loss was to Arizona. Illinois has struggled on the road with losses at Maryland, Wisconsin, Purdue and Indiana. The Illini have lost its last two games in Columbus.
Self in Second Season at Illinois
Bill Self is directing his second Illinois team in Champaign this year after a successful coaching stint at Tulsa, where he spent seven seasons before beginning his Illini career last year. Self has an overall record of 171-94 in nine seasons as a collegiate head coach.
Brown Climbs Scoring Chart
Ohio State senior guard Brian Brown reached the 1,000-point mark in his Buckeye career against UNC-Greensboro. Brown became the 40th player in Ohio State history to reach 1,000 points. He has scored 1,138 points in 115 career games for an average of 9.9 points a contest. He scored 14 points in the most recent outing at Minnesota to climb to the No. 28 spot in career scoring all time at Ohio State. He trails No. 27 Jamaal Brown (1,139) by just one point.
O’Brien 24-4 in VCA vs. Conference Foes
In four seasons at Value City Arena, Jim O’Brien and the Buckeyes have a combined record of 24-4 (.857) in Big Ten play at home in VCA. Indiana, Iowa (2) and Penn State are the only Big Ten teams with victories at VCA. The Buckeyes are 31-3 (.912) against non-conference opponents at VCA. Ohio State was 7-0 in 1998-99, 8-1 in 1999-00 and 8-1 in 2000-01 in non-Big Ten home games. The Buckeyes are 11-1 at home this year. Home losses at VCA have come to Notre Dame (59-57) in the 1999 Preseason NIT (11/16), Kansas (69-68) Dec. 23, 2000 and Pittsburgh Dec. 19, 2001 (62-55). O’Brien is 38-5 in non-conference home games in five seasons at Ohio State, which includes a 7-2 record his first season at St. John Arena.
Savovic, Brown Climbing 3-point Chart
Boban Savovic is eighth on the Top 10 list for career 3-pointers made with 100. He has connected on 35-of-82 3-point shots this season for a shooting percentage of 42.7 percent. Savovic passed Damon Stringer (1996-97), who finished his career with 89 treys, with a 3-of-5 effort at Purdue (1/2/02). Brian Brown is 10th with 86 3-pointers. He has made 13-of-46 on the season (.283). Brent Darby could crack the Top 10 this season as well. He has made 80-of-214 (.374) for his OSU career. Sean Connolly has made 126-of-321 career 3-pointers, which includes a 64-of-165 (.388) long range shooting effort as a freshman at Providence. At Ohio State, Connolly had connected on 62-of-156 treys (.397).
Ohio State in RPI Top 20
With a 9-1 record in its last 10 games, and an overall record of 15-3, Ohio State has moved into the Top 20 in the Rating Percentage Index, a formula used to help select teams to the NCAA tournament. The Buckeyes are No. 19 in the most recent RPI (1/27/02). Ohio State is third among Big Ten teams in the RPI behind No. 12 Indiana and No. 13 Illinois.
Buckeyes Move Up in Rankings
Ohio State has played or will face five teams currently ranked or receiving votes in the most recent Associated Press Top 25 Poll. Ohio State, with a 14-2 record and a recent win over then-Nos. 9 Iowa and No. 25 Indiana, received 453 votes for Top 25 consideration and is currently rated as the No. 20 team nationally in the AP Poll. Currently rated teams on the OSU schedule include No. 9 Illinois, Iowa (28), Pittsburgh (29), Indiana (30) and N.C. State (32).
Buckeyes Limit Foes’ Long Range Shooting
Eleven of the 18 teams Ohio State has played this season have been held below 30 percent shooting from 3-point range. Four opponents have not reached 17 percent shooting from long range.
Opponent Pct. 3FG-A Winthrop 16.7 3-18 N.C. State 14.8 4-27 UNC-Wilmington 15.4 2-13 Santa Clara 25.0 4-16 at Louisville 14.3 4-28 Pittsburgh 26.3 5-19 Eastern Illinois 20.0 3-15 UNC-Greensboro 26.7 4-15 Massachusetts 29.4 5-17 Northwestern 25.0 5-20 Michigan 20.0 4-20
Brown Reaches 300 Assists, Moves in Top 10
Brian Brown passed former teammate Scoonie Penn on the Ohio State career assists list with five against IUPUI. Brown is now 10th all-time with 322. Carter Scott (1978-81) is ninth with 326.
Noting the Game with Minnesota
Ohio State is now 71-51 in the series with Minnesota, includinga 27-34 record in Minneapolis. When ranked, the Buckeyes, rankedNo. 20 in the most recent Associate Press Poll, are 20-3 vs. theGolden Gophers. With 14 points Brian Brown moved into the No. 28spot of OSU career scoring leaders. He has 1,138 career points. Hepassed Richard Schnittker (1947-50) with 1,129 points. Brown hasscored in double figures in the last 13 games and 16 of the 18games this season. Minnesota scored 89 points, the most against theBuckeyes this season. The 89 points are the most scored against theBuckeyes by a Minnesota team since Feb. 2, 1983 when the GoldenGophers downed the Buckeyes in Columbus in double overtime, 89-80.The 89 points scored by the Golden Gophers are the most allowed bythe Buckeyes since an overtime loss (98-85) to Penn State Feb. 27,1999. The last time the Buckeyes allowed 89 or more points in aregular season games was Nov. 28, 1998 in a 92-86 loss atVanderbilt. Penn State was the last Big Ten team to reach 89 ormore points in regulation play. The Nittany Lions scored a 90-81victory in State College, Pa., Feb. 16, 1998. Minnesota’s 18-pointmargin of victory was the most against the Buckeyes since an 18point (85-67) road loss to No. 21 Alabama Feb. 17, 2001. The lastBig Ten team to win by 18 points or more over the Buckeyes wasPurdue in a 107-75 win in Columbus Feb. 7, 1998.
Brown Holds Team Lead in Scoring
Senior Brian Brown owns the team lead in scoring following a 14-point effort against Minnesota. He tops four Buckeyes in double digits in a well-balanced offensive attack. Brown is averaging 15.2 points per game followed by Boban Savovic with 11.8. Brent Darby (11.6 ppg.) is just ahead of sophomore Zach Williams (10.3).
Ohio State Tops Big Ten in Several Areas
Ohio State is among the top two in several Big Ten categories. The Buckeyes lead in scoring margin (13.5 ppg.), field goal percentage (.496) and rebounding defense (28.3). Ohio State is second scoring defense (59.7), 3-point field goal percentage defense (.301), assists (15.83), rebound margin (6.4) and turnover margin (1.72).
Value City Arena Serves Buckeyes Well
Ohio State has played 62 home games at Value City Arena since the facility opened for the 1998-99 season. Fans have been instrumental in the Buckeyes’ 55-7 (.887) home record at Value City Arena.
Noting the Buckeyes…
Brandon Fuss-Cheatham: Has played in all 18 games … just two turnovers to go with nine assists in last four games, no turnovers in last three contest with eight assists … has played 10 or more minutes in last four games and in nine games this season.
Sean Connolly: Contributes nearly 19 minutes off the bench … has made 7-of-13 shots in last two games, including 4-of-8 3-point attempts … five double figure games this season with season-high 17 in loss at Minnesota…has not been charged with a turnover in last three games…has 32 assists, 9 steals this year … career 82 percent shooter from the foul line (119-146) … will play 50th game as a Buckeye vs. Illinois.
Brent Darby: One of four Buckeyes in double figures with 11.6 points a game … has played 30 or more minutes in 11 games this season … team leader from the foul line (60-78, .769) … in last four games has connected on 9-of-18 3-pointers (.500) … career 76 pct. shooter from the foul line (133-175) … 80 career 3-pointers, nearing Top 10 list.
Brian Brown: Needs five rebounds to reach 400 for career (395/3.4 rpg.) … 84-consecutive starts … only current Buckeye with over 300 assists (322) and 100 steals (112) … shooting over .500 from the field and is nearing 100 field goals on the year (97-189, .513) … has been in double digits offensively in last 13-consecutive games and in 16-of-18 games this season.
Velimir Radinovic: Earned starting spot in last 14 games … reached double figure minutes in 16-of-18 games … shooting 51 percent from the field (25-49, .500) … leads Buckeyes with 12 blocks … season high 10 points in home loss to Pittsburgh (12/19/01).
Boban Savovic: Will play his 100th game and make 50th start as a Buckeye vs. Illinois … leads team from 3-point range (35-82, .427) … tops Buckeyes in assists from the No. 3 guard spot with 76 … has recorded five or more assists in 10 games this season … tops in steals with 28 … one field goal short of 200 for career (199-448, .444) … 100 of 199 FGs are from 3-pt. range (100-264, .379) … needs four steals to reach 100 at Ohio State.
Ryan Heflin: Shooting 71.4 percent from the field in seven appearances (5-7) this season … career-high seven points in six minutes vs. Santa Clara (12/12/01) … team barber, often cuts teammates’ hair the day before games.
Shaun Smith: Perfect from the field this year (3-3) in seven appearances … has command of OSU offensive … runs practice squad against starters in practice … would rather look to make assists and score in games.
Zach Williams: One of the hardest workers on the squad … often draws toughest opponent big man defensively … has the ability to score over bigger players … leads starters in field goal percentage (75-127, .591) and rebounding (6.1 rpg.) … only Buckeye with over 100 rebounds (109) … has scored 10 or more points in 10 games this year … needs nine points to reach 400 at OSU (391/8.0 ppg.).
Terence Dials: Has played double figure minutes in 13-of-18 games … Big Ten leader in field goal shooting in conference games (22-33, .667) … on pace to set Ohio State freshman record for shooting percentage (44-63, .698) … still learning the Ohio State offensive and defensive schemes … 26 rebounds in last four games … career high 13 caroms vs. Louisville (12/15/01).
Will Dudley: Started first four games of the season … double figure minutes in eight games this year … shooting 53 percent (20-38) on the season … 13-of-26 rebounds have come on the offensive end of the floor this year … 93 career games, 9.5 minutes per game at Ohio State … career 56 pct. shooter from the field (121-217) … needs eight rebounds to reach 200 for career … 30 career blocks are most on team.
Tim Martin: Has played in all 18 games with one start this season … 22-of-42 rebounds this year have come on the offensive end of the court … gives Buckeyes added strength in the middle … averages nearly 11 minutes as a walk-on player for Ohio State.
Matt Marinchick: Has played in eight games as a redshirt freshman for Ohio State … connecting on 50 percent of his field goal attempts (4-8) … hit all four foul shots in just one minute of action in home win over Michigan.
Senior Class Continues Successful Run
Ohio State seniors Brian Brown, Will Dudley and Boban Savovic have been a part of three of the more successful seasons in Ohio State history. As freshmen, the trio helped the squad reach the 1999 Final Four. As sophomores, they were a part of a Big Ten Championship team and another trip to the NCAA tournament. As juniors, they were instrumental in taking Ohio State to its third-consecutive NCAA tournament appearance and 20-win season. Combined, these seniors have been a part of 85 wins (30 defeats), three NCAA tournaments, three 20-win seasons, the 1999 Final Four and the 2000 Big Ten Co-Championship. Another senior, Tim Martin, did not play for OSU until the 2000-01 season. Martin, a transfer from Kent State, sat out the 1999-00 season to satisfy NCAA transfer rules.
A 4th-consecutive NCAA trip, 20-win season?
The Buckeyes have been to 21 NCAA Tournaments in the history of the program, including the past three. No Ohio State coach has ever led four-consecutive teams to the NCAA Tournament. The Buckeyes have made three-consecutive trips four times (1944-46, 1960-62, 1990-92 and 1999-01). Ohio State also has a streak of three-consecutive 20-win seasons. The only time the program enjoyed four-consecutive 20-win campaigns occurred from 1960-63 with 25, 27, 26 and 20 wins, respectively. Ohio State won the national championship in 1960 and won four of five-consecutive Big Ten titles during that span.
