Ohio State Buckeyes
Record: 25-9
Head coach: Thad Matta (8th season)
Season summary: It’s been an up-and-down season for the Buckeyes, who have spent several weeks ranked as high as No. 3 in the AP top 25 and have spent several weeks out of the poll entirely. Ohio State has recovered from a rough stretch at the beginning of Big Ten play where it went 2-5 in the month of January. Since then, Ohio State has beaten Wisconsin, Iowa, and Michigan State—all of whom were ranked at the time. The Buckeyes have not been an offensive juggernaut this season, averaging just 69.8 points per game, but they have been stellar defensively, ranking 12th in the nation in points per game allowed (59.8). Seniors Aaron Craft (4.7 APG) and Lenzelle Smith, Jr. (11.1 PPG) and junior forward LaQuinton Ross (15.4 PPG) are the leaders for this Buckeye squad and will try to find some momentum after being knocked out the semifinals of the Big Ten tournament by Michigan.
How they make a run: Hustle and havoc on the defensive end will free up more offensive opportunities and allow the Buckeyes to get a shot at some upsets.
How they falter: If Craft and Smith don’t shoot the ball well, the Buckeyes won’t escape the first weekend.
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