Defense was always going to be an issue for Ohio State, coming off a season in which it ranked 331st in the nation by giving up 74.6 points a game. That deficiency was on display Monday when the Buckeyes gave up 92 points in a 12-point loss to No. 4 South Carolina.
Ohio State coach Kevin McGuff emphasizes defense, using a suffocating full-court press to disrupt opponents. But when teams break the press, the Buckeyes are at their most vulnerable, giving up uncontested layups or recovering too late to cover players who lurk around the three-point line.
McGuff hopes to address those issues in a game against Cleveland State tonight at Value City Arena.