Records
Ohio State 18-12 (8-11), Wisconsin 13-6 (21-9)
Broadcast, TV, Game Time
Date: Sunday, March 10
Game Time: 4:30 PM
Venue: Value City Arena, Columbus, OH
Network: CBS | You can also tune in online with FuboTV. (Try it for free)
Every game has been billed this way as of late, but no — really, this is a must win contest for Ohio State. As of last check almost every bracket projection has the Buckeyes right smack on the bubble (and sliding off), and a loss could very well burst any chances of getting into the NCAA Tournament.
Unfortunately though, a very, very good and sound Wisconsin team is in town, and Kaleb Wesson will be in street clothes once again in this crucial game. That means, things don’t stack up well, but that’s why they play the games.
If the Buckeyes are to keep their NCAA Tourney hopes kicking, it’ll have to beat all the odds and find a way to win this one.
Next … The Ohio State game plan
Ohio State cliff notes game plan
This may sound a bit off the wall for what Ohio State does, but what Ohio State does isn’t working without Wesson on the blocks. Why not shake things up a bit and play with pace in this one. Push the ball up the court with a small lineup and try to get some easy baskets in transition.
It won’t work against the really athletic teams, but the Badgers are better than anyone at making things into a half-court game. Play that way, and they’ll school you at your own game. This doesn’t happen against many teams in the league, but Ohio State has the athletic advantage in this one and should look to use it.
Getting shots has been awfully tough for the Buckeyes as of late so somehow, someway this thing needs to turn into a playground type of affair with the guards pushing and penetrating.
Next … Key Player And Prediction
Key Player For Ohio State
Andre Wesson. With his brother sitting in the penalty box, the older Wesson has had to go out and play down low against an opponents five man. He’s done his best, but it’s a tall order. He’ll probably draw some time against Wisconsin’s big man Ethan Happ too, so he’ll need to hold his own down there, but also find a way to pick things up on the offensive end. The situation he’s been put in is far from ideal, but Ohio State doesn’t win this one without him having himself some sort of day.
How It’ll All Go Down
With backs against the wall, this team needs to answer the bell. It won’t happen. There’s been nothing that suggests Ohio State will be able to run its offense with patience and be disciplined enough to take — and make — good shots against a tough Wisconsin defense without Kaleb Wesson. There are also far too many mismatches on the defensive end with the mixing and matching of personnel. The Buckeyes make a game of it on senior day, but come up short in a crucial loss.
Final Score
Wisconsin 68, Ohio State 60
Line
Wisconsin – 2
