COLUMBUS, Ohio – Charleston Southern men's basketball fell in its first road affair of the 2022-23 campaign as Ohio State used a prolific first-half effort to pave the way to a 82-56 win at Value City Arena.

TALE OF TWO HALVES
Looking at the box it was a tale of two halves, as Ohio State outscored Charleston Southern 46-22 in the first half after shooting over 50% from the field along the way. There was damage done on the on the glass as well with the Buckeyes out-rebounding CSU 25-14, 10 of those coming on the offensive side.

The second half was a different outcome, as the Buckeyes were only able to outscore Charleston Southern 36-34. CSU had a much better showing on the defensive side of the ball in the final stanza, forcing nine different Ohio State turnovers while only turning the ball over three times. Tahlik Chavez and Taje' Kelly were a huge spark in that frame, as Chavez found nine points while Kelly collected eight of his 11 points while also adding three rebounds. 

SPREAD THE WEALTH
Three different Bucs found double figures in the contest, with Chavez leading the way with 23 points. Claudell Harris Jr. continues his hot start to his sophomore campaign as well, as the talented wing added 12 points and three helpers. Kelly also benefited from a strong second half, finishing the contest with 11 points and five boards.
 
The Bucs finished the contest shooting 33% from the field but converted seven of 10 chances at the charity stripe to supplement the offensive effort. CSU also saw 20 points in the paint and the Buccaneer bench added 23 points, compared to Ohio State's 29.
 
DEPTH EARLY ON
Charleston Southern received minutes from nine different players, eight of which contributed at least 15 minutes in the contest. Cheikh Faye led the way in that department, standing as the only Buccaneer to play at least 30 minutes with 33:34. Harris Jr. was right behind Faye with 29:12 and Chavez 27:53.

DEFENSIVE-MINDED
The Buccaneers continue to put an emphasis on the defensive side of the ball, forcing 14 Buckeye turnovers while only turning the ball over nine times in the contest. Charleston Southern also recorded more steals in the affair, edging out OSU 3-2. The Buccaneer offense claimed 10 points off of Ohio State turnovers, seven of those points coming in the second half.

UP NEXT
The Bucs continue the roadtrip as a trip to New Orleans for a clash with the Green Wave of Tulane in its next affair. The contest is slated for a 8:00 p.m. tip Wednesday, November 16 at Avron B. Fogelman Arena in the Devlin Fieldhouse.