Jake Diebler believes Ohio State can create defensive identity

Monday’s victory against Iowa was a big one for Ohio State, getting back-to-back Big Ten wins for the first time this season. The Buckeyes can thank a solid defensive performance for the result as Iowa scored just 65 points in Columbus. It’s something Jake Diebler admits his team has been working on in recent times.

“I think we’re showing great improvement defensively,” Diebler said after the game. “You got to remember, it’s a new system, new scheme for everybody. We are showing significant growth… It’s something we’ve been talking about and working on every time we’re together. I do feel like we’re getting more and more connected. You’re starting to see our experience that we’re gaining, really, come through with us, executing better defensively.”

Looking at KenPom, they would tell you Ohio State is one of the better defensive teams in college basketball this season. They ranked No. 26 in Adj. defensive efficiency and just three Big Ten teams — Michigan State, Purdue, and Maryland, are ranked ahead of them.

Even so, Diebler believes something was missing and Ohio State is beginning to grow in the area. Getting a win against Purdue (a top-six offense per KenPom) while only allowing 70 and following it up with a 65-point performance vs. Iowa is something to be proud of.

The schedule is not getting any easier in the near future. Two road games are next up, traveling to see Penn State and Illinois. In the expanded Big Ten, this will be the lone matchup for the Buckeyes with both of these teams.

Ohio State has just one true road win this season, taking down Minnesota in double overtime. Three other attempts have fallen short, including two by double digits. At some point, that will have to change.

Especially since there is still work to be done if the Buckeyes want to make the NCAA Tournament. ESPN’s Joe Lunardi currently has them as one of the last four teams in, being at the top. Not much wiggle room is currently there when discussing an at-large bid.

Nothing travels better on the road than playing great defense. Limiting the opposing team’s offense can quiet a crowd real quickly and begin the process of getting a win away from home.

Diebler is confident in what his group has done in recent times with two straight wins. Now, the trend needs to continue throughout February and March.