Records
Ohio State 8-2 (2-2), Minnesota 9-2 (2-2)
Broadcast, TV, Game Time
Date: Wednesday, December 30
Game Time: 5:30 p.m. EST
Venue: Williams Arena, Minneapolis, MN
Network: BTN
So far, the Big Ten basketball season has been an up and down affair for Ohio State. There was a great win over a highly ranked Rutgers team, but then close losses at Purdue and at Northwestern. Each game is going to be a dogfight in a talented and loaded conference, and that’s exactly what we have Sunday as well.
The Buckeyes step away from home again to travel to the frozen tundra of Minneapolis to take on a Golden Gophers team that has been a pleasant surprise thus far. They also sit at 2-2 in the Big Ten, but have won nine of their first eleven games, and are scoring the basketball at a high and efficient rate.
It’s a big tilt because the winner moves back above .500, and one game is going to make a huge difference in where you finish in this 2020-2021 conference.
Let’s get into some important things to note in this one.
Next … The Ohio State game plan
Ohio State cliff notes game plan
5:30PM ET on BTN… We’re in your city @Dloading 👀 #Team122 #GoBuckeyes pic.twitter.com/x25zlDZtFb
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) January 3, 2021
Look, if it isn’t broke don’t fix it. Or should I say, if you know what works, don’t get away from it. Let’s consider a couple of things here. Ohio State has more guys that can take the ball to the rim and finish — even through contact — than it’s had in recent memory. Also, the Buckeyes shoot free throws at a very high rate.
That all adds up to spreading the ball out and letting those that can create get things going towards the rim in this one. E.J. Liddell and Kyle Young can take advantage of things on the blocks, but the wings and guards should also look to proper and get some buckets in the lane as well. The template has been set for how this team wins games, and that’s it. Of course, there will be the open look from beyond the arc at times, but everything should start with taking the ball into the lane and then reacting from there.
Defensively, you know what this team is, and what it’s going to do. It’s going to run guys in waves with an aggressive man-to-man help out defense. However, it will make sense to rotate fresh bodies most specifically on guard Marcus Carr. If you can cut his legs off, you have a chance. Let him get loose and create, and it’s a bad day because he’s been fantastic this year.
NEXT … Key Players For Both Teams
Key Player For Ohio State
This week @AntiArcusHorton takes a look at what C.J. Walker brings to the table as a playmaker and scorer for the #Buckeyes entering his final season for Ohio State.
➡️ https://t.co/Xfvv8qoA1y pic.twitter.com/Rqzcbo0WFd
— BuckeyeGrove (@OSUatRivals) July 20, 2020
Guard, C.J. Walker – While we typically highlight a guy that could be a force on the offensive end, this one’s all about defense. Walker is most likely going to draw the responsibility of guarding Marcus Carr. He has to work extremely hard to make life as difficult as possible on the sensational guard and hope for the best. The coaching staff would even trade off a little of his ball-handling skills and scoring to focus on locking things down on the perimeter.
Key Player to Know for Minnesota
Not to be missed in last night's win, Marcus Carr passed the 1k mark for his career.
And many more to come, Marcus! pic.twitter.com/3lynJVbnmo
— Minnesota Men's Basketball (@GopherMBB) December 27, 2020
Guard, Marcus Carr – Carr is one of the top scoring guards in the country, and he can beat you in multiple ways. Leave him open on the perimeter and he’s knocking down almost 40 percent of his three-point attempts. Get up in his face, and he’ll break you down on the dribble and make a play going to the hoop, or dish out to open shooters. He’s quick, competitive, and will get his points, it’s just a question of how many.
NEXT … The prediction
How It’ll All Go Down
Ohio State looked fantastic against Nebraska, but this is a different animal. Minnesota is playing really well, especially at home. Not because there are a glut of fans obviously, but because the Gophers are comfortable in Williams arena. The shooting background and floor are unique, but the team itself is a very, very good one. The Buckeyes will play well, but it won’t be quite enough to stop a Minnesota team that has a dynamic player that’s going to get everyone involved and be a nuisance himself.
Final Score
Minnesota 77, Ohio State 70
Line
Ohio State -1.5 (Odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook.)
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