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 COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - The way Ohio State coach Thad Matta sees it, a freshman-laden team is much-improved by February. He's banking on that Sunday when the Buckeyes take on Wisconsin in the first No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup between Big Ten teams.
The Buckeyes, who have four freshmen among their top eight players, lost 72-69 on Jan. 9 in Madison. The first-year players, including 7-foot center Greg Oden and point guard Mike Conley Jr., have been quick studies since that loss.
"They've obviously gotten more experience under their belt. They've grown up a little bit," Matta said. "They have played seven Big Ten road games now. We've taken them to the No. 3 (Florida), No. 4 (North Carolina) and No. 5 (Wisconsin) teams in the country on their home floors, so I think it's just a maturity thing that guys have a better understanding of what college basketball is all about."
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