It’s time to break the official seal on the 2019-2020 Ohio State basketball season, and it’s going down with an in-state rival, the Cincinnati Bearcats. You can thank the powers that be in charge now for allowing the tensions between these two programs to thaw so that we can see these two matchup outside of a tournament draw.
Frankly, it’s great for the fans and players to be able to get these types of games scheduled, and I’m a big proponent for making it a yearly thing with a couple of other Ohio schools (Xavier and Dayton come to mind).
But first things first, we’re here to preview this one, so let’s get at it.
Records
Ohio State 0-0, Cincinnati 0-0 (First game of the year!)
All-time series record
3-2 Ohio State leads
Last meeting
Ohio State won 64-56 last season in Cincinnati
Broadcast, TV, Game Time
Date: Wednesday, November 6
Game Time: 8:30 PM
Venue: Value City Arena, Columbus, OH
Network: FS1
It’s time to stop all the talk and start walking the walk. Expectations for the Ohio State basketball team have been all over the map in the preseason. Some predictions and have the team as a top ten squad that can compete for the Big Ten title, while others have it as a fringe Top 25 outfit.
There’s no denying a couple of things. First, this is a deep team with a lot of returning talent. Secondly, the influx of energy and athleticism with three top forty-type recruits should add to what the team can do on the offensive end.
Still, it all has to mix together. That’s the unknown.
For Cincinnati, it’ll be a year of transition with a new coach. Gone is Mick Cronin. He took his coaching talents to Santa Monica Beach. In steps new head coach John Brannen who led the Northern Kentucky basketball program to a couple of NCAA Tournaments and Horizon League titles.
He would love nothing more than to start his tenure in the Queen City with a statement win out of the gate.
Next … The Ohio State Game Plan
Ohio State cliff notes game plan
Things are always a little unknown and flexible in game one — especially against a ball-club with a new head coach. You can look at all the film you want from Brannen’s time at Northern Kentucky, but the personnel is different and he’ll have to mold the system to what he has to work with.
For Ohio State, obviously the coaching staff is still trying to figure out what parts go where, when those parts play, and what kind of strengths and weaknesses are going to be the culture of this team.
What the Buckeyes do know is that they have a proven threat down on the post. Look for Ohio State to keep it simple in this one and run the offense through Kaleb Wesson, while playing straight-up man-to-man defense.
Unlike other years though, you can expect a little more get out and run at opportunities you wouldn’t have seen the last couple of years. The team is deep and more athletic, and I expect the pace to be more up-tempo at times.
Now is the time when you build on what you’re going to become and throw out some different lineups and matchups.
Next … Key Player And Prediction
Key Player For Ohio State
C.J. Walker. Obviously the Buckeyes’ nominee for the Naismith Award has to do some damage in this one, but it’s more than just about Kaleb Wesson. The Buckeyes struggled at times with turnovers and consistent play at the point guard spot the last couple of years, and now they think they have a good one. Florida State transfer C.J. Walker had to sit out a year, but now he’s ready to go. He needs to get OSU in its offensive sets, be strong with the ball, and have a good first game to settle in for the future.
How It’ll All Go Down
I do believe the Buckeye basketball team is being a bit undersold this year. With so much depth, interchangeable parts, and young talent, the team is going to make a splash this year. I’m not saying Michigan State good, but I think Ohio State can contend for a top two or three spot in the Big Ten.
However, it is the first game of the year. Guys will look out of sorts at times and give up some things on the defensive end. Cincinnati will still play an ugly style that’ll keep this thing close, but in the end Ohio State is a little more talented, and will get it done at home.
Final Score
Ohio State 72, Cincinnati 67
Line
Coming …
