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Ohio State basketball: 2019-20 season review and 2020-2021 first-look preview

By Brendon Kleen

COLUMBUS, OHIO - FEBRUARY 23: Kaleb Wesson #34 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in action in the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Value City Arena on February 23, 2020 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO - FEBRUARY 23: Kaleb Wesson #34 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in action in the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Value City Arena on February 23, 2020 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 21: Tyrese Maxey #3 of the Kentucky Wildcats drives against Duane Washington Jr. #4 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the CBS Sports Classic at T-Mobile Arena on December 21, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Buckeyes defeated the Wildcats 71-65. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 21: Tyrese Maxey #3 of the Kentucky Wildcats drives against Duane Washington Jr. #4 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the CBS Sports Classic at T-Mobile Arena on December 21, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Buckeyes defeated the Wildcats 71-65. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

The Buckeyes couldn’t build off their own great performances

Due to the inconsistency of the Buckeyes’ performance over the course of the year, there several highs and lows throughout the year. Let’s remember a few:

High point: Blowing out Villanova and North Carolina in the span of three weeks early in the season.

The Buckeyes beat the Wildcats by 25 in November, limiting them to 31 percent shooting and just 51 points overall. Later in non-conference play, it might as well have been deja vu against North Carolina. The Tar Heels shot just 27 percent from the field, and no one besides freshman Cole Anthony scored in double-digits. Though North Carolina broke down with injuries by the spring, this was a big-time ACC team at the height of its powers.

High point: Taking down Kentucky on national television at a neutral site.

The Buckeyes and Wildcats put on a show in Las Vegas just before Christmas, as Ohio State pushed a one-point halftime lead into perhaps its best victory of the season. Carton scored 15, and the Buckeyes held Kentuck to 42 percent shooting.

High point: Beating Maryland at home as conference play wrapped up.

This one was big because Maryland genuinely played well, and Ohio State still won. Terrapins wing Aaron Wiggins scored 20 points, while Jalen Smith was his typical self defensively, with three blocks. While Ohio State shot just 42 percent, a big game from Luther Muhammad led Ohio State to a win.

Low point: Losing to Michigan State to close out Big Ten play.

This loss epitomizes the Buckeyes’ inconsistency. Coming off a victory over No. 7 Maryland, the Buckeyes faced the rival Spartans to close out conference play and lost by double-digits. Cassius Winston dominated, scoring 27 points, while Michigan State as a team scored 80 points, one of the biggest games against the Buckeyes’ defense all year.