Ohio State seniors approach end of journey
The story goes that many years ago, Ti plants were brought to the Hawai’ian islands by the Polynesians. Ti plants are believed to bring good luck to those who receive them, especially for those about to embark on a new journey.
Thursday night inside Value City Arena, the Ohio State men’s basketball program was honoring its seniors before hosting No. 21 Maryland. Hawaii native Justice Sueing walked out with his family members while wearing a lei around his neck.
Presented with a framed, white No. 14 jersey, Sueing then received three more leis from his family members before one final addition: a braided Ti leaf necklace draped around his neck by his father, Justice Sueing Sr.
It was around his neck again about two hours later in the postgame interview room. Sueing had scored a teamhigh 16 points and led OSU past the Terrapins, 73-62. A team captain who has worn each of the Buckeyes’ successive losses with a heavy heart, this was finally a night to celebrate.
And to commemorate the occasion, Sueing brought leis for the fellow seniors seated next to him, transfers Isaac Likekele and Sean Mcneil.
“Giving leis to the seniors is important,” Sueing said. “It’s just for big causes. I got them fresh off the plane . ... Just showing love to my guys.
“This was our only year together, but we were able to build really strong relationships and a brotherhood. It’s just an appreciation to them.”
In beating Maryland, the Buckeyes secured consecutive wins for the first time since they won three straight from Dec. 21-Jan. 1.
“We came out with a different look in our eye,” Mcneil said. “We wanted this one bad.”
OHIO STATE 73, MARYLAND 62
MARYLAND - Reese 6-8 5-8 17, Scott 3-9 2-2 9, Carey 4-7 3-3 14, Hart 2-7 1-2 5, Young 4-13 0-0 9, Martinez 3-6 0-0 8. Totals: 22-50 11-15 62.
OHIO STATE - Sueing 3-7 8-8 16, Okpara 5-8 2-2 12, Likekele 4-4 3-3 11, Mcneil 3-6 2-2 10, Thornton 4-10 1-1 10, Sensabaugh 4-11 4-4 12, Brown 1-2 0-0 2, Gayle 0-2 0-0 0. Totals: 24-50 20-20 73. Halftime: Ohio State, 35-29. 3-point goals: Carey 3, Martinez 2, Scott, Young; Sueing 2, Mcneil 2, Thornton. Fouled out: Likekele, Brown. Rebounds: Maryland 21 (Reese 12), Ohio St. 31 (Okpara 12). Assists: Maryland 9 (Reese, Scott, Young 2), Ohio St. 9 (Likekele 4). Total fouls: Maryland 17, Ohio St. 20. A: 11,799.