John Mobley Jr. Scores 25 as Ohio State Basketball Bounces Back Against Youngstown State, Shows Room for Growth

Slow start, strong response

Ohio State trailed Youngstown State several times in a sloppy first half, then went into the break ahead 38-33. The Buckeyes made one of 10 three-point attempts and turned the ball over nine times.

With outside shots not falling, Ohio State looked to attack the paint rather than take contested threes. After the Penguins narrowed the margin to 53-52, the Buckeyes put together a 13-0 run led by Andrija Jelavic and Amare Bynum.

Frontcourt production stands out

Jelavic, a Kentucky transfer and starting forward, recorded career highs with 21 points, nine rebounds, three blocks and three steals. Coach Diebler praised his progress since the Cincinnati exhibition and his judgment about when to drive or pass.

“He took the coaching, and then he went to work,” Diebler said of Jelavic. John Mobley Jr. added 25 points and four assists, making two of his four three-point attempts.

Areas still need attention

Mobley said attacking the paint helped open up the offense; Ohio State scored 46 points there. “Once you get into the paint, it opens up a lot of other things,” Mobley said.

Diebler identified ball-screen defense as an area that needs more work, and Pippen also called for defensive growth. Freshman starter Anthony Thompson scored four points, while Diebler said he wants Thompson to remain aggressive and become more involved.

Next game arrives quickly

The Buckeyes have a short turnaround after the home win. They return home Monday, Nov. 9, to play Marshall at 6 p.m.