The Kentucky Wildcats face off against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the CBS Sports Classic in a game that most Buckeye fans will only want to get through due to the College Football Game on after. All eyes are on Ryan Day and the football team for Ohio State. However, it's a game that Kentucky wants to win as they haven't beaten Ohio State in the CBS Sports Classic yet; the Wildcats are 0-2 versus the Buckeyes in this event.
I talked with the Ohio State expert for the Fansided network of sites. Ryan Stano runs the site ScarletandGame.com. I asked him a few questions about the Kentucky vs. Ohio State game in Madison Square Garden.
1. Describe the Ohio State basketball team. What are their strengths and weaknesses?
Stano: Ohio State excels when they shoot well from three. They want to launch it from deep and make teams catch up. They aren’t going to win many low-scoring affairs. The Buckeyes love getting downhill in transition, too. Jake Diebler wants them to play like a modern NBA team. On the flip side, they have no rim protection without Aaron Bradshaw. Their defense is suspect, especially if they don’t see shots fall on the other end. They also foul quite a bit.
2. What can be expected from this game against Kentucky?
Stano: I expect Kentucky to have their way with Ohio State. They have no answer for Amari Williams down low, and he might have 16 rebounds. Auburn lit them up from three, and I expect the same thing in this game. I’d be shocked if it was a single-digit game.
3. What is your prediction for the game?
Stano: Ohio State is going to lose this game 87-70. It won’t be particularly close at any point.
4. Do you think Ohio State fans are even going to pay attention to this basketball game, or will they just stress-watch as they wait for the College Football Playoff game?
Stano: They might watch the first half and hang around unless it gets out of hand.