Records
Ohio State 18-11 (8-10), Northwestern 12-17 (3-15)
Broadcast, TV, Game Time
Date: Saturday, March 6
Game Time: 9:00 PM
Venue: Welsh Ryan Arena, Evanston, IL
Network: BTN | You can also tune in online with FuboTV. (Try it for free)
Okay, now is where the scarlet and gray rubber meets the road. Who would have thought at the beginning of the year that a game against a last place Northwestern team could make or break Ohio State’s tournament chances.
That’s exactly where things stand right now though after an embarrassing and somewhat uninspiring beatdown at the hands of Purdue in West Lafayette Saturday.
A win in Evanston won’t exactly boost the Buckeyes’ resume, but it could be a big black eye if they lose, knocking them right on the cut line with a tough game against Wisconsin in the season finale that could further cement things for this year’s team.
I’m a firm believer that if Ohio State wins on the road Wednesday night, it’s most likely in the NCAA Tournament. A loss though and that’s put in serious jeopardy, especially seeing how the Buckeyes are now starting to appear in danger territory with most bracket projections.
Next … The Ohio State game plan
Ohio State cliff notes game plan
I don’t know that the coaching staff knows exactly what to do with the identity of this team with its best player Kaleb Wesson sitting in street clothes on the bench. We saw that at Purdue, we’ve seen it with him sitting with foul trouble, and unfortunately Holtmann confirmed that he’ll still be suspended and unavailable for the Northwestern game.
That means Ohio State is going to have to gut this one out. The Buckeyes will need to do a much better job of spreading the Wildcats out and looking to get some dribble drives to the basket, especially with no real low-post presence on the blocks.
It’ll be a guard-driven game, but at least there won’t be the multiple rim protectors in the lane once penetration takes place like what we saw against Purdue.
On defense, it’s the blueprint the Buckeyes have used all year. It’s sound man-to-man defense, with rallying help, and hard work on the boards. This one has to be won ugly.
Next … Key Player And Prediction
Key Player For Ohio State
C.J. Jackson. Jackson should be closer to 100 percent after struggling with a shoulder injury he suffered against Northwestern the first time around. The Buckeyes need him big time in this one. He has to take care of the ball, drive and penetrate the lane and make big shots for the Buckeyes — especially within the framework of an uncomfortable and uncharacteristic gameplan. It needs to be a collective effort to get past this hurdle on the road, but it starts with Jackson.
How It’ll All Go Down
I don’t feel good about this game, especially without Wesson. The team didn’t look like it had a clue on who to go to on offense against Purdue and it’ll be much of the same Wednesday night. Northwestern is in last place in the Big Ten, but it has played some tight games at home — losing bu just one to Iowa, and five to Wisconsin. Ohio State drops an unexpected one on the road and is left searching for answers.
Final Score
Northwestern 67, Ohio State 62
Line
Ohio State – 1
