Ohio State Opens As a 6-Point Favorite Over Cincinnati in Season-Opening Hoops Matchup

For the second-straight year, Ohio State will open its season against Cincinnati. It's the Buckeyes who will be the home favorites.

Ohio State opens as a six-point favorite over the Bearcats for Wednesday night's season-opening matchup with the in-state foe. Last year, the Buckeyes opened as a 5.5-point underdog before besting Cincinnati 64-56 on the road to open the season.

Wednesday's game will be the official Ohio State debut for a collection of new faces, including Florida State transfer guard CJ Walker as well as the Buckeyes' four-man freshman class led by three top-50 prospects.

It will also be the debut for new Cincinnati head coach John Brannen, who took over for longtime Bearcat head coach Mick Cronin after he left for UCLA following the conclusion of last season.