Light it up.
 Ohio State
1-0, 0-0 Big Ten
Roster | Schedule
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November 13, 2007 9:00 PM ET ------ The Schott Columbus, OH |
 Columbia
1-1, 0-0 Ivy
Roster | Schedule
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Opponent: Columbia will face off against the Buckeyes tonight, after holding off Delaware St. 47-41 Monday night in the NIT Season Tip-Off. The Lions will be playing their third game, as they lost to Fordham 79-61, last Friday night. Columbia brings all five starters back from a 16-12 team, predicted to finish fourth for a second straight year in the Ivy League. This club is a veteran group as their top 13 players, including six seniors return. Ten players averaged double digit minutes last year and I expect the Lions to bring intense defensive pressure, while trying to slow the game down on offense.
Key Players: John Baumann (6'8" Sr.) has lead the Lions in scoring two straight seasons, averaging a career best 13.3/game last year. He lead the league in FG and 3PT. percentage and ranked third in rebounds at 6.5/game, earning him 1st Team All Conference. Columbia's offensive help will come from Joe Bova (6'7" Jr.) and Patrick Foley (6' 2" So.), as these three combined to score 42 of Columbia's 47 last night.
Ben Nwachukwu (6'9" Sr.), Brett Loscalzo (6'0" Sr.), Mack Montgomery (6'5" Sr.) and Niko Scott (6'3" So.) will also see significant action. Columbia has struggled shooting the ball thus far and the emptiness of the Schott shouldn't help them out. If Ohio State can keep Baumann in check, the Lions may struggle to score.
Notes: Joe Jones is entering his fifth season as head coach and has a career mark of 49-60. Columbia is 1126-1127 in 105 years of basketball. The school has an enrollment of 5600 and is located in New York, NY.
Buckeye Breakdown: Ohio State looked better in their season opener, as they reduced the Phoenix to ashes in a 91-68 victory. I was impressed with the defensive pressure and control on offense. We know this team is young and it will be crucial for Jamar Butler to keep this team settled when OSU has the ball.
Butler dished out 10 assists against 0 turnovers last night and I thought he did an excellent job of running the show. Ohio State played a little match up zone throughout the game and Matta shortened his bench until they got a substantial lead. OSU may have 4 legit scorers, who could lead them in scoring on any giving night. It will be interesting to see what Buckeye team shows up tonight.
Key Players: David Lighty really impressed last night, leading the Buckeyes with 21 points and contributing 8 rebounds with 4 assist. Lighty was aggressive to the hoop and scored a few buckets on offensive rebounds. Kousta Koufos made a late rally and chipped in with 18 points and 8 boards in 18 minutes of action. He still looks physically weak at times, but his all around game is going to be a treat to watch. My man Othello Hunter came to play last night, I only hope he can replicate it consistently. Hunter was all over the court with 17 points, 7 rebounds and 5 blocks. He showed his extended jumper and it was nice to see him stay away from the 3ball.
Notes: Ohio State is 9-1 in their last three tournaments. If Ohio State wins, they will more than likely play Syracuse on November 21st in Madison Square Garden. Jamar Butler moved up to 6th for career three pointers, he is now 10 away from tying Brent Darby's all time mark.
