Records
Ohio State 17-9 (7-8), Maryland 22-4 (12-3)
Broadcast, TV, Game Time
Date: Sunday, February 23
Game Time: 4:00 PM
Venue: Value City Arena, Columbus, OH
Network: CBS
This feels like a pivotal game for Ohio State. It’s not necessarily a game it has to have to get into the NCAA Tournament, but it needs to have a good showing against one of the really good teams in the conference to build on something that could mean a deeper run in March.
Right now, this team is one that seems to lack confidence whenever it faces a little adversity. It can play from ahead, and can make a run when there’s nothing to lose and the game is out of hand. It needs a game where it pulls out a close one against one of the best teams in the country, and that’s the opportunity Maryland presents.
But does Ohio State have the horses and toughness to do it? If so, it’s a huge win. If not, the fragile psyche of this team will only cement itself further.
Here’s our preview and prediction for the game.
Odds via BetMGM. Access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Sunday at 2:00 p.m. ET.
Next … The Ohio State game plan
Ohio State cliff notes game plan
What do you do against a team that can score in multiple ways and from several positions on the floor? If you take away the inside game of Jalen Smith, guard Anthony Cowan will get you. Collapse on the interior, and Maryland has the goods on the outside to make you pay.
So, rather than get too cute, I think you have to play this one straight-up. Don’t put more effort towards any one player, but play solid defense across the board, rotate and rebound the ball like crazy on the defensive end.
On offense, Kaleb Wesson is unlikely to get a bushel of points on the interior in this one. This team is at it’s best when playing through an effective Wesson, but it might have to go another route this time. The Buckeyes can’t abandon things underneath, but if it’s not there, it can’t be forced. Wesson has to be very aware of his surroundings and find open guys around him.
Ohio State’s perimeter guys then have to have a good game shooting the ball and limiting the turnovers. A bad shooting outing, and there’s no chance.
Next … Key Player And Prediction
Key Player For Ohio State
Duane Washington. Washington might be the best shooter Ohio State has, but he has to play within himself. He’s been asked to handle the ball more with D.J. Carton out on leave, and he has to have a solid floor game today and not try to force things when they aren’t there.
But when he has an opportunity in the flow of the game, he can make a big difference by hitting open bombs and with drive and kick-outs. Against Iowa, he took too much on himself once the game started going the wrong way, and it spelled doom for the offense.
How It’ll All Go Down
Ohio State will look better in this one than what we saw at Iowa, but Maryland is a complete team that’s a bad matchup for the Buckeyes. The talent, length, and athleticism of Maryland is going to be a big problem for Ohio State, and I look for the Terrapins to impose their will and win a tough game on the road.
Final Score
Maryland 74, Ohio State 63
Line
Ohio State -2.5
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