What Ohio State coach Jake Diebler said about the Buckeyes win over Appalachian State

COLUMBUS – The Buckeyes beat Appalachian State 75-53 on Tuesday. With the win, Ohio State improves to 3-0 on the season ahead of a high-major showdown against Notre Dame on Sunday.

Following the win, Ohio State head coach Jake Diebler met with the Lettermen Row and the assembled media. Diebler opened with a statement about Veteran’s day and how the team honored several veterans. Here’s what he had to say about the game:

Diebler’s opening statement:

“Now, in regards to the game, really proud of the toughness and defensive connection we showed. Obviously not an ideal start offensively and a little different to how we have started so far this season, but really proud of how we leaned on our defense. And we made some adjustments offensively. I thought it was a sign of a very mature and connected group to adjust and close out the half the way we did then play the way we did in the second half. So great, great game of growth for this group. And just really proud of our team.”

Diebler on the Buckeyes slow start offensively:

“Yeah, we’re trying to in real time, right, evaluate shot quality. It’s something that’s that we talk about and I agree with you. It felt like we had we had some good looks. I don’t think all of them were great, but felt like we had some good looks. And listen, you got to give them credit. I thought they were swarming our gaps and then really recovering at a high level. And we got a little too stationary on the perimeter. We didn’t cut at the level we needed to. 

“So we made some adjustments, talked about getting the ball on the paint first and then when that shot goes up, going to get some extra possessions. And obviously, Brandon was really impressive in that. Amare got a couple. Tilly’s been really good. So I think, again, proud of the way our guys adjusted offensively. Certainly proud of the defensive effort, but proud of the way our guys adjusted offensively tonight.”