Men’s Basketball Buckeye seniors honored before rivalry game

The Ohio State Buckeyes honored the seniors and veterans on the men’s basketball team Sunday before the game against Big Ten rivals Michigan.

Players Joey Brunk, Cedric Russell, Jamari Wheeler, Jimmy Sotos, E.J. Liddell, Justin Ahrens and Kyle Young were joined by family and friends before tipoff. Head coach Chris Holtmann greeted the players and student managers Kevin Marklay, Luke Trondson, Michael Adamo, Jack Betz, Tyler Hicks and Bryce Hawkins amid thunderous applause in the Schottenstein Center.

“It’s important for me that all of our guys feel honored,” Holtmann said before the game. “We’ve made a point to honor them in a specific way.”

Liddell and Ahrens played what well could be their final games at home. Liddell notched his eighth double-double of the year and the 12th of his career with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Ahrens was 4-of-8 from 3-point range.

Ohio State will head to the Big Ten Championship this week as the No. 6 seed. The Buckeyes will open play Thursday evening against the Penn State-Minnesota winner.