Chris Holtmann explains lineup change with Brice Sensabaugh

Following a 77-69 loss to rival Michigan, Ohio State coach Chris Holtmann explained his lineup decision to bring Brice Sensabaugh off the bench. Sensabaugh came off the bench for the second time in their last 15 games, raising questions about whether or not Holtmann was searching for a new lineup to give his team an extra spark.

Sensabaugh leads the Buckeyes in points per game this year as a freshman, averaging 17.3 points and a second-best 5.6 rebounds.

Brice Sensabaugh off the bench in lineup change

After the game, Holtmann fielded questions during media availability and the first question he received was about his decision to bring Sensabaugh off the bench. According to Holtmann, the intent was to help limit his foul trouble and get him involved in a different way while trying to figure out how to maximize his impact.

“I just was trying to keep… I think seeing the game sometimes, he got in foul trouble last game. Brice is gonna play a consistent role, I know we get wrapped up in starting. And he’s gonna play starter minutes,” said Holtmann.

Ultimately, the decision did not help Sensabaugh make it through the entire game as he fouled out for the second game in a row — and the fifth time this season. Despite fouling out, he managed to play 26 minutes on the court and contribute throughout the game despite a tough shooting performance.

Sensabaugh shot 4-for-14 from the field and finished with 14 points and nine rebounds in the loss. The game was also broke a streak of games where the star freshman led the scoring attack, breaking a 13-game run of games where Sensabaugh was the leading scorer for the Buckeyes.

The loss dropped Ohio State to under .500 for the season as well, moving their record to 11-12 on the year with a 3-9 record in conference play. After falling to Michigan, the Buckeyes are currently second-to-last in the Big Ten standings.