Men’s Basketball Travels to Madison to Take On The Badgers – Ohio State Buckeyes
2/5/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Feb. 5, 2002
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Date Feb. 6, 2002
Opponent Wisconsin
Site Kohl Center (17,142)
Game Time 8 p.m. (EST)
TV ESPN Plus
Local TV WBNS 10 TV
TV Talent Craig Coshun (Play-by-Play), Bill Hosket (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. 16 Ohio State Buckeyes
Probable Starters (17-3, 8-1)
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.
Wisconsin Badgers
Probable Starters (12-11, 5-5)
G 2 – Travon Davis, 5-10, Sr.
G 34 – Devin Harris, 6-3, Fr.
C 30 – Dave Mader, 6-11, So.
F 40 – Charlie Wills, 6-8, Sr.
F 20 – Kirk Penney, 6-5, Jr.
Buckeyes Begin Four-Game Road Trip
Ohio State will play its next four games on the road over the next three weeks. The road trip includes games at Wisconsin (Feb. 6), Michigan State (Feb.10), Iowa (Feb.16) and Indiana (Feb.20). The last time Ohio State played four-straight conference games on the road was during the 1948-49 season when the Buckeyes traveled to Illinois, Northwestern, Indiana and Michigan. The trip also included a stop at St. Louis. The last time the Buckeyes played four-straight (non-tournament) regular season games on the road was during the 1985-86 season when the team traveled to Wisconsin, Northwestern, Indiana and Boston College. Buckeyes On Top in The Big Ten
Ohio State currently has a one-game lead on Indiana for first place in the Big Ten (Feb. 4). The Buckeyes are 8-1 in conference play and 17-3 overall. The last time the Buckeyes started 8-1 in conference play was during the 1991-92 Big Ten championship season.
Darby Heats Up
Ohio State junior guard Brent Darby heated up last week in home wins over Illinois and Northwestern. Against the Illini, Darby tied his then career-high with 22 points, including 16-18 from the stripe, to lead the Buckeyes over 12th ranked Illinois. Darby bettered his scoring output against Northwestern, scoring a career-high 26 points, including 11 of OSU’s last 12 points. He also connected on 3 of 5 treys and went 7 of 8 from the free throw line. He tallied a combined 48 points, shooting 11 of 17 from the field and connected on 23 of 26 free throws.
Brown Paces Buckeyes
Senior captain Brian Brown has led or tied for the team lead in scoring in 5-of-9 Big Ten games this year. Brown is averaging a team high 15.9 points in Big Ten play, including a career-high 26 points in the win over Indiana (Jan. 19). He is connecting on 51 percent (54-105) of his shots in Big Ten play.
Ohio State Back in Both Polls
Ohio State is back in the Top 25 in both the Associated Press and ESPN/USA Today Coaches polls as of Feb. 4. The Buckeyes are currently ranked 22 in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches poll and 16th in the Associated Press poll. Ohio State is the highest ranked Big Ten team in the AP poll.
Ohio State in RPI Top 10
With an 11-1 record in its last 12 games, and an overall record of 17-3, Ohio State has moved into the Top 10 in the Rating Percentage Index, a formula used to help select teams to the NCAA tournament. The Buckeyes are No. 9 in the most recent RPI (2/3/02). Ohio State is the leading Big Ten team in the RPI. Indiana is 16th and Illinois 19th in the most recent poll.
Dials on Pace to Set OSU Freshman Record
Ohio State freshman Terence Dials is shooting 66 percent (48-73) from the field in 20 games as a Buckeye. He is fourth in the Big Ten in field goal percentage in league games, connecting on 60 percent (26-43) 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 63-of-106 (.594) from the field in league games. Dials is fourth in the conference, hitting 26-of-43 (.604) while Williams is No. 5 (37-63, .587).
Ohio State 11-2 at VCA vs. Ranked Teams
Ohio State has faced 13 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 on Jan. 5. OSU is 11-1 vs. ranked Big Ten squads at VCA. The Buckeyes are 124-192 all-time vs. teams ranked in the Associated Press Poll.
Buckeyes Show Up in NCAA Statistics
Ohio State (as of Jan. 28) is rated No. 6 nationally in field goal percentage (49.6), No. 8 in scoring defense (59.7), No. 14 in winning percentage (83.3), 18th in scoring margin (13.5 ppg.) and 23rd in rebound margin (6.4).
Ohio State Travels to Wisconsin
Ohio State enters its road matchup at Wisconsin following home wins over Illinois and Northwestern last week. Ohio State is 17-3 overall and 8-1 in the Big Ten. Wisconsn is coming off road losses at Northwestern and Michigan last week. Wisconsin is 12-11 overall and 5-5 in the Big Ten.
Penney Leads Badger Attack
Junior Kirk Penney leads the Badgers with a 14.1 scoring average. He is followed by freshman Devin Harris (11.7 ppg.). Three other Badgers average just under 10 points a game for Wisconsin. Freshman Mike Wilkinson leads the Badgers on the boards, grabbing 6.0 rebounds per contest.
The Buckeyes vs. Wisconsin
Junior Brent Darby leads the Buckeyes with a 7.8 points per game scoring average against Wisconsin in four career games. He is followed closely by junior Sean Connolly, who is averaging 7.5 ppg in two career games and senior Brian Brown with 7.0 ppg in six career outings against the Badgers. Brown also leads the Buckeyes on the boards against Wisconsin, averaging 4.2 rebounds per contest. Sophomore Zach Williams is just behind Brown, pulling down an average of 4.2 rebounds per game in two career meetings against Wisconsin.
Buckeyes Lead Series vs. Wisconsin
The Buckeyes own the all-time series lead with the Badgers, 79-54. Ohio State has won six of the last seven games with Wisconsin. The Buckeyes won the last meeting in Columbus, 63-58, Feb. 10, 2001. The Badgers own the series lead in Wisconsin, 37-30. The Badgers defeated the Buckeyes during the last matchup in Madison, 42-57, Jan. 24, 2001. Ohio State leads the all-time series in Columbus, 49-17.
Wisconsin Recently
Wisconsin has lost three of its last four games in Big Ten play. Losses have come at Illinois (1-23), at Northwestern (1-30) and Michigan (2-2). The one victory came at home against Penn State (1-26). The Badgers are currently one game behind Michigan State for fourth place in the conference.
Ryan in First Year at Wisconsin
Wisconsin head coach Bo Ryan is in his first year as the head coach in Madison. He has a record of 12-11 at Wisconsin and a career mark of 395-114 (.776), which includes a record of 353-76 (.822) in 15 seasons as the head coach at Wisconsin-Platteville. He spent the last two years as the head coach at Wisconsin-Milwaukee where he had an overall record of 30-27 (.526). Entering the 2001-02 season, Ryan has the fourth-best winning percentage among active coaches in Division I with at least 10 years of coaching experience. He is second to Purdue’s Gene Keady in career coaching victories among Big Ten coaches.
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 1,161 points in 117 career games for an average of 9.9 points a contest. He scored 10 points in the most recent outing against Northwestern to climb to the No. 26 spot in career scoring all time at Ohio State. He trails No. 25 Lawrence Funderburke (1992-94) by 18 points (1,179).
O’Brien 26-4 in VCA vs. Conference Foes
In four seasons at Value City Arena, Jim O’Brien and the Buckeyes have a combined record of 26-4 (.867) 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 at OSU with 102. He has connected on 37-of-90 3-point shots this season for a shooting percentage of 41.1 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 87 3-pointers. He has made 14-of-49 on the season (.286). Brent Darby could crack the Top 10 this season as well. He has made 83-of-219 (.379) for his OSU career. Sean Connolly has made 129-of-326 career 3-pointers, which includes a 64-of-165 (.388) long range shooting effort as a freshman at Providence. At Ohio State, Connolly has connected on 65-of-161 treys (.404).
Buckeyes Move Up in Rankings
Ohio State has played or will face four teams currently ranked or receiving votes in the most recent Associated Press Top 25 Poll. Ohio State, with a 17-3 record and a recent win over then- No. 12 Illinois, No. 9 Iowa and No. 25 Indiana, received 564 votes for Top 25 consideration and is currently rated as the No. 16 team nationally in the AP Poll. Currently rated teams on the OSU schedule include No. 21 Illinois, No. 26 Pittsburgh and Indiana (RV/29th).
Buckeyes Limit Foes’ Long-Range Shooting
Twelve of the 20 teams Ohio State has played this season have been held below 30 percent shooting from 3-point range. Five opponents have not reached 18 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 Illinois 17.6 3-17
Brown Now Eighth in Career Assists
Brian Brown passed former teammate Scoonie Penn on the Ohio State career assists list with five against IUPUI. Brown is now tied with Jay Burson (1986-89) for eighth all-time with 329. Jim Jackson is seventh all-time with 372.
Noting the Win over Northwestern
The Buckeyes extended their home winning streak overNorthwestern to 23 dating back to the 1977 season. The Wildcatslast won in Columbus Feb. 24, 1977, claiming a 68-61 victory. TheBuckeyes improved to 1-1 in one-point games in Value City Arena.The last one-point game was during the 2000-01 season againstKansas (12/23/00), 69-68. The last time the Buckeyes won aone-point game was against Northwestern (1/17/96), 72-71. BrentDarby notched a career high for points with 26. His previous highwas 22 against Illinois (1/29/02). In the last two games he hascombined for 48 points.He has scored 20 or more points three timesthis season (N.C. State, Illinois and Northwestern) and four timesin his career. With his third assist of the game at 17:22 in thesecond half, Brian Brown moved into a tie for the No. 8 spot on thecareer assists leaders. He has 329 assists in his career. Brownmoves past Jay Burson (1986-89) with 329. With his 10-pointperformance against Northwestern, Brown has scored in doublefigures in the last 15 games and 18 of the 20 games this season.Tim Martin tied his career high in rebounds with seven. He last hadseven boards against UNC-Greensboro (12/29/01). OSU turned the ballover a season-low nine times. The Buckeyes turned the ball overnine times against UNC-Greensboro (12/29/01). The Ohio Statedefense held Northwestern to 57 points. The Buckeyes have held 17opponents under 70 points. When the defense is able to hold theopponent to under 70, the Buckeyes are 14-2. OSU was able to grab32 rebounds to Northwestern’s 15. When the Buckeyes out-rebound anopponent, they are 15-2 this season. Ohio State was able to recoverfrom a five-point deficit at the half. This season the Buckeyes are2-2 when they trail at the half. OSU also trailed with five minutesremaining, Northwestern is 9-1 when leading at the half. Ohio Statehas won eight straight home games, dating back to its Dec. 19 lossto Pittsburgh. The win is OSU’14th victory this season at home. TheBuckeyes have won at least 10 home games in each of their fourseasons in Value City Arena. Sophomore forward Zach Williamsstarted his 50th game as a Buckeye. He has played in 51 games inhis career.
Brown Tops Four in Double Figures
Senior Brian Brown continues to lead team lead in scoring following a 10-point effort against Northwestern. Brown is averaging 14.9 points per game, followed by Brent Darby with 12.8 ppg. Boban Savovic is next with 11.3 ppg., followed by sophomore Zach Williams (10.4).
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 (12.7 ppg.), field goal percentage (.494) and rebounding defense (27.5). Ohio State is second scoring defense (60.0), 3-point field goal percentage defense (.304) and rebound margin (7.0). The Buckeyes are third in assists (15.50).
Value City Arena Serves Buckeyes Well
Ohio State has played 64 home games at Value City Arena since the facility opened for the 1998-99 season. The Buckeyes are 57-7 (.890) at Value City Arena.
Noting the Buckeyes…
Brandon Fuss-Cheatham: Has played in all 20 games … just two turnovers to go with 10 assists in last six games, no turnovers in last five contests with nine assists … has played 10 or more minutes in last 4-of-6 games and in nine games this season.
Sean Connolly: Contributes nearly 19 minutes off the bench … has made 7-of-11 3-point attempts in last three contests … five double figure games this season with season-high 17 in loss at Minnesota…has been charged with just three turnovers in last five games…has 32 assists, 9 steals this year … career 80 percent shooter from the foul line (119-148) … played 50th game as a Buckeye vs. Illinois.
Brent Darby: Notched a career-high 26 points against Northwestern … one of four Buckeyes in double figures with 12.8 points a game … has played 30 or more minutes in 13 games this season … team leader from the foul line (83-104, .798) … in last five games has connected on 12-of-21 3-pointers (.571) … career 77 pct. shooter from the foul line (156-201) … 83 career 3-pointers, nearing Top 10 list.
Brian Brown: Went over 400 career rebounds against Northwestern (402/3.4 rpg.) … 86-consecutive starts … only current Buckeye with over 300 assists (329) and 100 steals (114) … shooting over .500 from the field … has been in double digits offensively in last 15 games and in 18-of-20 games this season.
Velimir Radinovic: Earned starting spot in last 16 games … reached double figure minutes in 17-of-20 games … shooting 51 percent from the field (27-52) … second on the team with 12 blocks … season high 10 points in home loss to Pittsburgh (12/19/01).
Boban Savovic: Played 100th game and made 50th start as a Buckeye vs. Illinois … leads team from 3-point range (37-90, .411) … tops Buckeyes in assists from the No. 3 guard spot with 82 … has recorded five or more assists in 10 games this season … tops in steals with 29 … … 101 of 201 FGs are for career are from 3-pt. range (102-272, .375) … needs three 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 offense … runs practice squad against starters in practice … would rather look to make assists than score in games.
Zach Williams: One of the hardest workers on the squad … often draws opponent’s big big man … has the ability to score over bigger players … leads starters in field goal percentage (82-139, .590) and rebounding (6.1 rpg.) … only Buckeye with over 100 rebounds (121) … has scored 10 or more points in 10 games this year … reached 400 career points (413/8.1) at OSU with 14 scored against Illinois.
Terence Dials: Has played double figure minutes in 15-of-20 games … fourth in Big Ten in field goal shooting in conference games (26-43, .605) … on pace to set Ohio State freshman record for shooting percentage (48-73, .658) … still learning the Ohio State offensive and defensive schemes … 34 rebounds in last six games … career high 13 caroms vs. Louisville (12/15/01). Has been a factor in OSU’s recent success.
Will Dudley: Started first four games of the season … double figure minutes in nine games this year … shooting 54 percent (23-42) on the season … 14-of-28 rebounds have come on the offensive end of the floor this year … 95 career games, 9.4 minutes per game at Ohio State … career 56 pct. shooter from the field (124-221) … needs six rebounds to reach 200 for career … 31 career blocks are most on team.
Tim Martin: Tied a career-high with seven rebounds against Northwestern … has played in all 20 games with one start this season … 24-of-49 rebounds this year have come on the offensive end of the court … gives Buckeyes added strength in the middle … averages over 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 87 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.
