UCLA's bench played double the minutes Ohio State's did in the Buckeyes' 86-74 win over the Bruins on Saturday.
Sixty-six minutes to an even 30. This isn't an anomaly of late for Ohio State. Four of the Buckeyes' five opponents this January used their benches for more minutes than OSU, and Nebraska joined UCLA in doubling up the Buckeyes' bench minutes, 46 to 22.
There's a reason for it. In those same five games, opposing benches outscored the Buckeye backups 91-29. Bench production has been an issue all season for Ohio State, but it's become especially glaring in the absence of sixth man and forward Brandon Noel.