Liddell laments loss in what was likely his last game at Ohio State

PITTSBURGH – Ohio State’s NCAA Tournament second round loss to Villanova here earlier today likely signaled the end of the brilliant three-year career of forward EJ Liddell.

Ever since Liddell began lighting opponents on fire at the beginning of his junior year – and showing improved three-point shooting ability – his NBA draft stock began to soar and it was assumed he would declare for the professional ranks at the end of the season.

The end of the season came today as the 6-7 Liddell had 17 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals in OSU’s deflating 71-61 loss to Villanova. Liddell was 6 of 13 from the floor, 2 of 4 on threes and 3 of 5 at the foul line.

Asked for his reaction after the game, Liddell said, “I don’t think reality has really kicked in yet that I wouldn’t be able to — this certain group of guys, a lot of guys these last games, older guys, seniors. It’s tough, man. I’m really hurting inside.

“I wish I could have done more to help get it done. This group of guys was really determined. We fought through a lot of adversity and injuries this year. I gave my all this year. I wish I could have done a little bit more, though.”

In his most recent NBA mock draft, CBSSports.com’s Kyle Booth had Liddell pegged to go 26th overall in the first round.

Speaking in the postgame press conference, Liddell was asked whether he was certain to be leaving OSU and declaring for the NBA.

“Right now, I’m just reflecting on enjoying the moments I have with these guys, not even thinking about that, really haven’t thought about that process yet,” Liddell said. “But this one stings. I’m not going to say I have thought about it, because I really haven’t. This moment right here, I didn’t want it to happen, ever.”

With his 17-point game against Villanova, Liddell elevated his OSU career total to 1,298 points. He passed Jared Sullinger and Clark Kellogg to move into 32nd place on the school’s scoring list.

He enjoyed a special junior season, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors and third-team Associated Press All-American kudos. He ended up averaging 19.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.6 blocked shots per game. He was in double figures scoring in all 32 games this season and in a streak of 43 straight games dating to last year.

For most of the season, OSU coach Chris Holtmann had operated under the assumption Liddell would leave after this season. He tested the waters last spring before deciding to return.

Asked about it after the game, Holtmann said, “I think he will go through the process of making that decision. But I think he’s been given every indication for a number of months that that’s where it’s headed.

“I think he’s moving in that decision. He will make a final call. He will have a chance to let this settle, let the season settle. We’ll have meetings with his family … but I think that’s where he is headed.”

Against Villanova, Ohio State battled back from a 15-point deficit early in the second half. Liddell and his freshman sidekick Malaki Branham kept hitting shot after shot to keep the Buckeyes in it. They eventually got as close as two points with just under six minutes left.

The Buckeyes later trailed by five and had four straight possessions to try and get as close as three or two, but came up empty. Liddell missed the front end of a one-and-one on one of those and was then stripped of the ball on a drive as he was trying to do everything he could to lead the comeback.

Liddell could only tip his cap to Villanova for holding on for the win.

“Credit to Villanova they’re a really good team,” Liddell said. “They’ve got a lot of older guys and they were composed. We’ve got to take care of the ball a lot more and credit to them. They played hard. I thought we went out there and played hard but we’ve got to take care of the ball a little bit more.”

Liddell also missed several minutes in the second half after picking up his third foul. He credited his teammates for holding steady in his absence.

“My teammates were picking me up, they needed me,” Liddell said. “I started out the second half and felt like I let them down on the defensive side of the ball but over there reflecting on the bench I felt like I came back in and did better than what I did. I was trying to do my best to help this guy out right here. He was having a really good game and some shots weren’t falling for me tonight.”

Click here for our full game recap with highlights, postgame videos and more. Below is OSU’s postgame press conference.