Thad Matta growing beard for great reason

Ohio State coach Thad Matta has some scruff going on his face, and it’s for a good — or bad, depending on how you view it — reason.

Matta’s Buckeyes are 23-10 after losing Friday in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten tournament. All of their losses have come by fewer than 10 points except one: A 72-48 shellacking at the hands of Wisconsin in their final regular season game.

Reporters noticed the stubble on Matta’s face Thursday and asked about it.

“I haven’t shaved since the Wisconsin game,” Matta explained. “I told them, ‘Every time you look at me, I want you to remember that game.’ Now they won’t let me shave it off.”

Looks like Matta is stuck with the beard for at least another week. They are a lock to at least reach the tournament. And the good news is he won’t look like Archie Miller’s twin if they happen to dress in the same clothes again.