The Buckeyes are 5-1 on the season after an excellent showing in the Maui Invitational. Ohio State defeated Cincinnati and Texas Tech after a tough first round loss to San Diego State. These performances earned them the #25 spot in the AP Poll. Tonight, they will face another tough task as part of the final ACC/Big Ten Challenge. The Buckeyes face No. 17 Duke at Cameron Indoor Stadium at 7:15 pm ET on ESPN.

Buckeye Preview:

The Buckeyes fared well overall during their time in Maui. A 2-1 record and a jump into the AP Poll is quite respectable with how stacked the field was. A common theme for the Buckeyes was solid defense and great transition play. We saw the Buckeyes remaining as stingy as possible on the defensive end, forcing opponents to value possessions and make quality shots. This is certainly important for a team that plays in a conference as gritty as the Big Ten. We also saw the Buckeyes dominate the glass, cleaning up boards on both ends, leading to a plethora of second chance points and limiting of opportunities for opponents.

Coach Chris Holtmann has to be thrilled with what he’s seen from his squad early on. The additions of Sean McNeil, Isaac Likekele, and Tanner Holden have allowed the Buckeyes to run a very deep bench. The freshmen have also hit the ground running, with Brice Sensabaugh leading the team in scoring, while point guard Bruce Thornton holds a starting role. Then you have veterans like Zed Key and Justice Sueing, who continue to make themselves felt every game. In fact, Sueing finally appears fully healthy after dropping 33 in the finale in Maui.

The numerous scoring options, balanced roster of youth and vets, and tenacious defense and rebounding make this team very dangerous.

A Look at the Blue Devils:

The Blue Devils are 6-2, after suffering a recent blowout to Purdue and losing earlier in the year to Kansas.

The projected lineup:

Jeremy Roach (G)

Tyrese Proctor (G)

Mark Mitchell (F)

Kyle Filipkowski (C)

Derick Lively Jr (C)

This Duke team is not nearly as dominant, so far, as the teams of past years. However, first year head coach Jon Scheyer is attempting to make the most out of a squad with plenty of potential. Five players from last year’s team went on to the NBA, but were replaced by an extremely talented recruiting class. Duke boasts three top 25, 5-star players, who are currently in the starting rotation (Proctor, Mitchell, and Filipkowski).

This team will have a noticeable size advantage on the Buckeyes, carrying two 7-footers in their starting unit as well as 6’8” Mark Mitchell. Duke’s lineup may be young, but they are talented and sure to be well coached. The Blue Devils will likely look to attack the paint and control the glass, both of which have been keys to victory for them so far.

Expectations:

The Buckeyes starting lineup should be the same:

Isaac Likekele (G)

Sean McNeil (G)

Bruce Thornton (G)

Justice Sueing (G)

Zed Key (F)

Eugene Brown III will miss this game, as he has yet to play this season due to concussion protocol.

This Buckeye team has been exciting so far, giving fans plenty of hope for a successful season. However, the size of Duke is certainly going to pose challenges for them. If the Buckeyes can stay stingy on defense, hold their own on the glass, and slow down the Duke big men there is always a chance. Duke is a 5.5 point favorite, which is extremely fair. But, I’m gonna take the Buckeyes to upset the Blue Devils.

Prediction: 86-85, Ohio State

 

featured image: Jay LaPrete, AP Photo