The Ohio State basketball team bounced back in a big way in their second game of the Maui Invitational. Improving to 4-1 on the year, the Buckeyes defeated Cincinnati by a score of 81-53. They will play their third and final game of the tournament today at 2:30 pm ET against No. 21 Texas Tech on ESPN2.

Ohio State Basketball Preview:

The game against Cincinnati was a back and forth affair in the early going, with Ohio State leading by four headed into the under four minutes media timeout. In those final minutes, the Buckeyes would expand their lead to 11, then continue to expand it in the 2nd half, eventually winning by 28. This was a solid offensive and defensive contest for the Buckeyes, as they squashed their in-state foe.

Zed Key got back on track in a big way, putting up 19 points and snagging 8 rebounds. Bruce Thornton also had a really nice game, turning things up in the 2nd half. He would finish with 17 points and 2 steals. His freshman counterpart, Brice Sensabaugh, also had an excellent 2nd half, finishing with 17 points of his own. The Buckeyes dominated the offensive glass grabbing 19 rebounds, which boosted them to +13 in the final differential. They also stepped up on the defensive end, forcing 14 turnovers and holding Cincy to 39% shooting.

The Buckeyes secured a much-needed victory over an opponent they outmatched. Now they must look ahead toward Texas Tech, a final chance to grab a ranked win and come out on the plus side when leaving Maui.

A Look at the Red Raiders:

The Red Raiders are also 4-1, they also lost their first Maui matchup, to Creighton, then bounced back with a dominant win over Louisville.

The projected lineup:

Pop Isaacs (G)

Jaylon Tyson (G)

De’Vion Harmon (G)

Kevin Obanor (F)

Daniel Batcho (F)

The Red Raiders are led in scoring by Kevin Obanor, who averages 12.4 points and 5.6 rebounds. The Buckeye coaching staff are very familiar with him, as he was part of the Oral Roberts team that upset them in 2021. After Obanor, the other 4 starters all average between 9-10 points per game. Texas Tech is a very well-balanced offense that relies on everyone contributing. They are also a very strong defensive team, as was shown yesterday when they held Louisville to 38 points on 22.4% shooting.

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 likely miss this game, as he has yet to play this season due to concussion protocol.

For the second time in Maui, the Buckeyes are favored, this time by one-point. This game is essentially a toss up and should be a dog fight. If the Buckeyes continue to play stingy defense and control the glass, they will have a good chance to win. For the Buckeyes to win, the freshmen class needs to continue to contribute so Ohio State can avoid extended offensive droughts.

Final: 82-79, Ohio State

Featured image: Darryl Oumi, Getty Images