Youngstown State wasn’t supposed to hang with Ohio State. The Penguins are ranked 321st in the KenPom ratings, making them the Buckeyes' second-worst opponent of the season.
But the Buckeyes didn’t score their first point until nearly five minutes had passed. Seven minutes into the game, Youngstown State held a 14-2 lead. Ohio State managed to get the game somewhat under control, but still trailed the Penguins, 25-22, at halftime. In the first 20 minutes, the Buckeyes made five layups or dunks and just two shots from elsewhere on the court, hitting 24.1 percent of their shots and 1-of-11 3-pointers.