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Loyola Chicago Basketball: 3 keys for Round of 64 matchup vs Ohio State

By Harry Schroeder

Mar 7, 2021; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Loyola Ramblers pose for a photo after defeating the Drake Bulldogs in the finals of the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2021; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Loyola Ramblers pose for a photo after defeating the Drake Bulldogs in the finals of the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ohio State
E.J. Liddell Ohio State Buckeyes (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

Limit the impact of E.J. Liddell

After declaring for the NBA draft after last season, Liddell did extensive work on his outside game and the hard work paid off. He is taking and making more three-point baskets than last season. The Belleville, Illinois native has connected 44 times compared with last season’s 27 and has handed out 76 assists this year against 52 a year ago. Liddell is making nearly 38% from deep.

Loyola Chicago must minimize Liddell’s effectiveness. He has a unique size/skill combination that will be difficult to handle. LUC’s Aher Uguak is a two-time, Missouri Valley all-defensive team member and is 6’7, 225 and the logical choice to take on Liddell.

However, Valentine and the Ramblers like to switch on screens so look for Valley, Defensive Player of the Year, Lucas Williamson to spend some time shadowing the OSU star. Don’t expect the Ramblers to double Liddell as much as they would if he was a guard, but LUC swarms to the player with the ball. They want offensive players to feel uncomfortable.

When Loyola has struggled this season, it has been because they’ve committed too many fouls. Uguak, Williamson and others have to contend with Liddell without fouling.

If LUC can make the other Buckeyes pick up a larger offensive role, they’ll improve their chances of moving to the NCAA Tournament’s second round.