Ohio State Wraps Up Regular Season Sunday at Maryland

As the 2024-2025 college basketball season winds down, Ohio State faces a pivotal matchup to close out their regular-season schedule with a Sunday showdown against the Maryland Terrapins. With the season on the line for both teams, this game not only serves as a crucial final test for the Buckeyes before heading into postseason play, but it also represents a key moment in the program’s ongoing journey under head coach Chris Holtmann.

Ohio State’s regular season has been a rollercoaster ride, marked by thrilling victories and frustrating defeats. The Buckeyes, known for their historic basketball program and reputation in the Big Ten Conference, will need to put together a complete performance on the road in one of the conference’s most difficult venues, XFINITY Center in College Park, Maryland. A win could solidify their position in the postseason, while a loss might jeopardize their chances.

Ohio State’s Season Outlook

Ohio State enters the Maryland game with a mixture of optimism and concern. While the team has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in conference play, they have also struggled at times with consistency. A team that has had impressive wins against ranked opponents, Ohio State has also found itself battling through slumps, especially in away games. The Buckeyes’ ability to execute under pressure, especially in hostile environments like the XFINITY Center, will be crucial to their postseason aspirations.

Key players like junior forward Brice Sensabaugh, one of the top scorers for the Buckeyes, have provided the offensive spark, but the team has often relied too heavily on individual performances rather than a collective effort. If Ohio State hopes to succeed in the postseason, they will need to establish better team chemistry and avoid lapses on both ends of the court.

The team’s defense, while showing promise at times, has been inconsistent. In many of their defeats, Ohio State has allowed teams to go on runs, failing to execute defensively in critical moments. This has been particularly evident in late-game situations where opposing teams have managed to make a push, taking advantage of Ohio State’s inability to get stops or secure key rebounds.

Despite these challenges, Ohio State has been resilient, especially in conference matchups. In particular, the Big Ten is one of the toughest basketball conferences in the country, and Ohio State has had to face some of the best teams in the nation, including Michigan, Purdue, and Indiana. A strong performance against Maryland, especially on the road, would provide a much-needed confidence boost heading into the Big Ten Tournament and beyond.

Maryland’s Strengths

Maryland, on the other hand, has been a formidable opponent throughout the season. The Terrapins, under head coach Kevin Willard, have shown significant improvement, particularly on the defensive end. Maryland is known for its physicality and relentless defense, making them a tough matchup for teams that rely on offensive flow and finesse. They’ve proven to be capable of stifling high-scoring teams, making it difficult for opponents to find rhythm on the offensive side of the ball.

The Terrapins’ offense is led by a talented group of players, with standout guard Jahari Long playing a central role. His ability to score, facilitate, and defend makes him a constant threat. Long has been known to create opportunities for his teammates while also taking matters into his own hands when needed. For Ohio State, containing Long will be essential to prevent Maryland from getting into a comfortable offensive groove.

Another significant factor in Maryland’s success this season has been their rebounding prowess. The Terrapins have consistently been among the top teams in the Big Ten when it comes to rebounding, which is vital in controlling the pace of the game. Ohio State will need to crash the boards effectively and limit Maryland’s second-chance opportunities if they hope to come out on top in this road contest.

Maryland also has a deep bench, with contributions coming from a variety of players, including forwards and guards who can provide scoring and defensive support. In particular, Maryland’s depth allows them to switch between different playing styles and adjust to opponents’ strengths. Ohio State will need to be prepared for this flexibility and match the intensity level on both ends of the court.

Key Players to Watch

For Ohio State, the primary player to watch in the season finale is Brice Sensabaugh. The 6’6” guard/forward has been a consistent scorer throughout the year and has the ability to take over games when needed. Sensabaugh has been a standout for the Buckeyes in both scoring and leadership, and if Ohio State is going to succeed on Sunday, his performance will be vital. Maryland’s defense will likely focus on limiting Sensabaugh’s scoring opportunities, but if he can find ways to create for himself and his teammates, it could open up opportunities for others on the floor.

Additionally, Ohio State will need strong performances from their veteran players. Seniors like Justice Sueing and Isaac Likekele have experience in high-pressure games and could provide the steadying presence that Ohio State needs. Both players have the ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, whether through scoring, rebounding, or playmaking. If they can assert themselves early, Ohio State will have a much better chance of competing in a tough environment like Maryland’s home court.

For Maryland, Jahari Long will be the player to keep an eye on. Long has been the Terrapins’ engine this season, providing scoring, leadership, and defensive prowess. If he’s able to impose his will on the game, Maryland will likely have a significant advantage. Ohio State will need to limit Long’s ability to orchestrate the offense and create open shots for his teammates. A player like Long can also turn the game in his team’s favor with timely steals, fast-break opportunities, and clutch shots.

Other players to watch for Maryland include forward Julian Reese, whose presence in the paint gives the Terrapins an inside scoring option and a strong rebounder. Reese’s ability to create mismatches in the post will be a key area of focus for Ohio State’s defense. If Reese is able to dominate in the paint, Maryland could easily gain control of the game.

The X-Factor: Turnovers and Tempo

One of the most critical factors in this game will be which team can control the tempo. Both teams have the ability to push the ball in transition, but they also have the ability to play a more methodical style when necessary. Ohio State’s ball movement and decision-making will be essential in limiting turnovers and making sure they get quality possessions. Turnovers have been a point of contention for the Buckeyes this season, and if they give up easy points in transition, it could derail their chances of securing a win.

For Maryland, their ability to press and force turnovers will be a significant part of their strategy. The Terrapins are known for their defensive pressure, and Ohio State will need to stay poised and not get rattled when facing this pressure. If Ohio State can limit their turnovers and execute their offense, they will have a good chance of staying in the game.

Historical Context

This season’s matchup between Ohio State and Maryland holds additional significance given the historical context of their rivalry. Both teams have a rich basketball tradition, with Ohio State often being one of the top programs in the Big Ten and Maryland emerging as a force since joining the conference. This game will be another chapter in their competitive history, and with postseason implications hanging in the balance, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

For Ohio State, wrapping up the regular season with a win would be a crucial step in solidifying their tournament resume. The Buckeyes, who have faced their fair share of adversity, would be able to enter the Big Ten Tournament with a much-needed boost of momentum. Conversely, a loss could leave them questioning their position in the conference and NCAA Tournament bracket.

The Big Ten Tournament Picture

As Ohio State looks to close out its regular season, all eyes are on the upcoming Big Ten Tournament. A win over Maryland would likely help the Buckeyes avoid playing in one of the early rounds of the tournament, allowing them to position themselves for a higher seed. Additionally, if Ohio State can build momentum with a strong showing in College Park, they could carry that confidence into the postseason, where every game is a must-win scenario.

The Buckeyes will need to play their best basketball in the coming weeks to make a run in the Big Ten Tournament, and every game, including Sunday’s contest against Maryland, will be crucial. A win here could set the tone for a deeper postseason run, while a loss might leave them with a difficult road ahead.

Ohio State’s regular-season finale against Maryland is more than just another game—it’s a do-or-die moment for the Buckeyes. With their postseason hopes hanging in the balance, the Buckeyes will need to rise to the occasion and deliver a strong performance on the road. Maryland, with its stout defense and experienced playmakers, will present a tough challenge, but Ohio State has the talent and potential to secure the win. This game will not only define their regular season but could also set the tone for what lies ahead in the Big Ten Tournament and beyond.

The outcome of this game will be more than just a footnote in Ohio State’s season—it could be the key to unlocking a deep postseason run. The Buckeyes must play with urgency, discipline, and focus if they hope to end the regular season on a high note and make a statement as they enter the next phase of the 2024-2025 season.