Ohio State passed its first real test of the season last Thursday.
The Buckeyes earned a 72-67 over Providence as part of the Gavitt Tipoff Games, and it was a much-needed performance after Ohio State struggled a few days earlier against N.C. Central, a mid-major.
| WHO | WHERE | WHEN | TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Carolina (1-3) | Value City Arena | 7 p.m. | BTN |
Another test begins Monday for the Buckeyes, however, as they begin a three-games-in-five-days stretch that starts against Western Carolina at Value City Arena. Ohio State also plays Jackson State (Wednesday) and Marshall (Friday) this week.
It's an NBA-type of schedule this week for the Buckeyes, but head coach Thad Matta said after the win over the Friars his team is ready for it.
"We've got a busy week in terms of three games in five days," Matta said. "It sort of is what it is. When you play in these exempted tournaments, you get in that flow. It's getting harder and harder in terms of when the Big Ten season starts, so you've got to get your games in."
Opponent Breakdown
It has been a rough start to the season for Western Carolina, which comes to Columbus sporting just a 1-3 record and two of those losses coming by 35-plus points.
The Catamounts sit just 320th out of 351 Division I teams in Ken Pomeroy's advanced statistical ratings, ranking the 331st in offensive efficiency and 277th in defensive efficiency.
Western Carolina is led by Devin Peterson, a 6-foot-1 junior guard who averages a team-high 12.0 points per game and Deriece Parks, a 6-foot-5 senior guard who averages 11.8 points per game.
The Catamounts average just 63.0 points per game while allowing 76.0 per game. They shoot just 34 percent from the field and 25 percent from behind the 3-point line.
Buckeye Breakdown
Ohio State sophomore point guard JaQuan Lyle is coming off his best game of the season — a 21-point, eight-rebound, seven-assists performance against the Friars. Lyle struggled in the Buckeyes' first two games of the season and spent the better part of the second halves on the bench, so it was certainly encouraging to see him play to his potential for the first time all year.
“I was more aggressive on both sides of the basketball and I think with me being more aggressive on the defensive side, it got me going on the offensive side,” Lyle said after the game. “This week in practice, my teammates, the coaching staff, they all kept believing in me and kept my confidence up.”
Jae'Sean Tate had 14 points and six rebounds while Trevor Thompson added 12 points and 10 boards. Ohio State shot 50 percent from the field for the game and scored 42 of its points in the paint. Junior forward Keita Bates-Diop left Thursday's win over Providence with an ankle sprain, Matta said after the game he is day-to-day.
With a 3-0 record, the Buckeyes currently sit at No. 28 in KenPom's ratings. They are 37th nationally in offensive efficiency and 20th in defensive efficiency. Those are relatively strong numbers to start.
Through three games, Tate leads the way for Ohio State averaging 15 points and six rebounds per game. Kam Williams (12.3 points per game) and Bates-Diop (10.3) are also averaging double-figures while Thompson (9.7) and Lyle (9.7) are close.
How It Plays Out
Ohio State hasn't had a comfortable win yet this season, but Monday's matchup with Western Carolina seems like it could be the first. The Buckeyes should cruise to a victory and move to 4-0 on the season.
According to KenPom, Ohio State has a 99 percent chance to win this matchup with the Catamounts. The Buckeyes are projected 83-58 winners.
After a strong effort in the win over Providence, look for Ohio State to continue with that momentum in an easy victory.
Tim's prediction: Ohio State 80, Western Carolina 61
