Records
Ohio State 16-7 (6-6), Illinois 9-15 (5-8)
Broadcast, TV, Game Time
Date: Thursday, February 14
Game Time: 7:00 PM
Venue: Value City Arena, Columbus, OH
Network: ESPN2 | You can also tune in online with FuboTV. (Try it for free)
The Buckeyes have gotten the scarlet and gray ship steered back out in to open water after a very rough January, and have been able to get back to .500 in the league after three-straight wins.
Now comes an Illini team that Ohio State beat on a neutral court earlier in the year, but this Illinois squad has gotten better since then. It plays with reckless abandon and can really make you work on the offensive end.
This is the last game before things get much more difficult for Ohio State, and it’s one that it needs to win in order to get ready for the stretch run. It won’t be as easy as you think.
Next … The Ohio State Game Plan
Ohio State cliff notes game plan
You can bet Chris Holtmann isn’t sleeping well this week. Don’t let Illinois’ record fool you, this team is not the greatest matchup for an Ohio State team that turns the ball over more than any other in the league.
In fact, that plays right into the hands of the Illini who force a tun of miscues and look to capitalize in transition on the other end with easy baskets. And it’s started to work with Illinois, as it’s won four of its last five.
The Buckeyes have to find some way to take care of the ball — plain and simple. The coaching staff might have to go with a small lineup to get the most ball-handlers on the floor that it can. OSU can still have Kaleb Wesson in the post, but will likely have to spread guys that can handle pressure around him.
From there, it’s get back on defense to limit fast break opportunities and then play solid man-to-man defense. Block out, get rebounds and then get in offensive sets the other way.
Next … Key Player And Prediction
Key player for Ohio State
C.J. Jackson. Ohio State’s official point guard has struggled giving the ball away to the opponent far too often this year. That could spell doom against Illinois if he can’t find a way to be strong with the ball. He had four charitable contributions in the first test against the Illini and that has to be a little better. Forget scoring — that’ll be the cherry on top. Jackson has to be able to get the offense across half-court and into its sets. If not, it’ll be a long, long day.
How it’ll all go down
This game scares me. At this point you are what you are and for Ohio State, that means a team that struggles turning the ball over at the guard spot. The Illini are playing with much more belief and really getting after opponents on the defensive end. I’m just not sold on the Buckeyes recent history to believe it’ll be able to overcome the lapses in judgement with the ball. Illinois pulls the upset in a close one.
Final score
Illinois 68, Ohio State 64
Line
Coming …
