RODDY GAYLE JR. SAYS PENN STATE GAME IS A “MUST-WIN” FOR OHIO STATE, CHRIS HOLTMANN WARY OF PENN STATE’S “EXCELLENT” GUARD PLAY
It’s one thing for pundits to call a game a “must-win,” it’s another for an actual member of a given team to say it.
That’s how star shooting guard Roddy Gayle Jr. referred to Ohio State’s game against Penn State on Saturday in his meeting with the media Friday, and it makes sense given the Buckeyes’ current three-game skid and tough looming conference schedule ahead.
Holtmann didn’t go so far as to call the contest a must-win for his team but did review the strengths of a Penn State team that handed the Buckeyes their first conference loss of the year on Dec. 9 following an 18-point second-half comeback. Holtmann added that execution, finishing plays defensively, rebounding and getting to the free-throw line more will help Ohio State close games late.
Gayle is still in the midst of a cold stretch, shooting 14-of-53 (26.4%) with 13 turnovers and only five assists in his last four games, but both he and Holtmann felt he played a bit better against Michigan on Monday. The mental side of things is where Gayle feels he can take steps to fully break his slump.
CHRIS HOLTMANN
- Holtmann started with some opening remarks on Penn State: “A team that has played really well. … Athletic team, excellent guard play but their interior guys are playing well right now. Good depth.”
- On whether he agrees with Gayle that Saturday is a “must-win game:” “You’re really focused on playing well. … I’ll let Roddy speak for himself, we’re focused on playing well … doing some things better than the last time we played (Penn State).”
- Penn State has some schematic differences from the last time they played Ohio State but not too much else has changed, Holtmann said. “I don’t know that they look dramatically different. They’re doing some things different, I don’t want to bore you with the X and O details.”
- On how Dale Bonner has handled on-court struggles off the court: “He’s in a good place, he’s just gotta keep working, keep putting good days together. … We’re really going to need him the second half of the season.”
- On where the team is at mentally: “They’re pretty resilient. They take losses hard. … A&M is a good team, look at their league record right now. … This group, as you want, takes losses hard. As coaches, it’s your job to get them focused.”
- On Gayle’s recent struggles: “I thought he did a better job last game of playing to his strengths. … He’s gotta be able to take care of the ball better, he’s gotta be able to make some plays for us.”
- Ohio State will “have some turnovers tomorrow” due to Penn State’s active defense, but Holtmann said that it’s about preventing unforced mistakes.
- Holtmann said that the Buckeyes can’t look ahead on their schedule searching for where their wins are going to come from. “I think that’s the biggest challenge for coaches and for players is to stay present in the moment.”
- Interior offense is something the team has looked at to get more production. “Our efficiency hasn’t been great on post-ups right now, and I think that’s where we need to get better. … Felix has grown in his ability to not only catch lobs and finish … but he’s been able to make plays over a body with touch.”
- On where Ohio State is coming up short late in games: “Better execution and finishing plays defensively would be No. 1 across the board, rebounding … it’s too simple to say shot-making, that’s one. … Then third thing is, we have to get to the free-throw line more.”
- On the benefits of being back at home after another loss on the road: “We need a loud and energized crowd for tomorrow and we’re excited to play in front of our crowd and our students.”
