Is this the game in which the Ohio State basketball team starts to regain that form from earlier this year, or will it be another fall from grace?
Minnesota gave the Buckeyes their first loss of the season on the road back in December, and it was chalked up to the Big Ten being the Big Ten back then. However, perhaps we should have seen it as sings of trouble. Including that game, OSU has dropped six of the past nine and is looking for answers to turn around what was a promising season.
Both teams now need a win to bolster their NCAA Tournament resumes, but one could make the argument that this one is much more important for Ohio State than the Gophers.
It’s time to get into our preview and prediction. As a reminder we use BetMGM for our game lines.
Records
Ohio State 12-6 (2-5), Minnesota 10-8 (4-4)
All-time series record
84-44 Ohio State leads
Last meeting
Minnesota won 84-71 December 15
Broadcast, TV, Game Time
Date: Thursday, January 23
Game Time: 6:30 PM
Venue: Value City Arena, Columbus, OH
Network: FS1
Next … The Ohio State Game Plan
Ohio State cliff notes game plan
These teams are who they are at this point. The game plan last time was fine, it’s just that Ohio State didn’t execute and didn’t rebound. That, and the defense on point guard Marcus Carr wasn’t good enough. He scored a game-high 35 points, many of them at key moments.
The Buckeyes have to get good shots and knock them down. Defensively, they have to keep the Gophers off the boards by turning and finding a man and boxing out. Lastly, it might be best to put Luther Muhammad on Carr to minimize his dribble penetration and effectiveness. He’s the best on-ball defender the team has.
Odds via BetMGM. Access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 9:00 a.m. ET.
Next … Key Player And Prediction
Key Player For Ohio State
Kaleb Wesson. It’s Wesson again. He must keep Minnesota big man Daniel Oturu off the glass and limit his effectiveness on the offensive end. Wesson has to also cut down on the turnovers. The Gophers will collapse on him down low again and he has to see it coming and pass to the open man before he gets locked down. Score when given the chance, but allow others to get involved when it makes sense.
How It’ll All Go Down
Ohio State will get it done tonight. It likely won’t be easy, but Minnesota got an all-time performance from guard Marcus Carr last game. He’s not going for 35 again in this one, and the Buckeyes are much more confident playing at home this year. It’ll shoot better, defend better, and get a much needed win.
Final Score
Ohio State 74, Minnesota 65
Line
Ohio State -7.5
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