The Ohio State men’s basketball team fell to 6-4, following a 38-point loss to No. 2 Auburn on Saturday. The Buckeyes will look to get back on track with a quick reprieve from their tough stretch, as they host Valparaiso. Tip off is slated for 8:00 pm ET with coverage on Peacock.

Valparaiso Beacons: The Beacons are 5-4 on the season and are coming off a victory over Central Michigan.

Projected Starters:

Kasparov Sepp – F, #21

Cooper Schwieger- F, #13

All Wright – G, #3

Jefferson De La Cruz Monegro – G, #2

Tyler Schmidt – G, #23

The Beacons are led in scoring by senior guard Tyler Schmidt, with 12.9 points per game. De La Cruz and Schwieger have put up 11.6 and 11.1 points per game themselves. However, it is true freshman All Wright who carried Valpo to their win over CMU with 26 points.

The Beacons will need a spirited effort from the whole group if they seek to upset the Buckeyes. They face a tough task as 20+ point underdogs against and Ohio State team that is 5-1 at home on the year.

Ohio State Buckeyes: The 6-4 Buckeyes need a victory against the Beacons to reset things after being dismantled by Auburn.

The Buckeyes are again expected to be without 3 players: Ques Glover (questionable), Colin White (out, foot), Aaron Bradshaw (with team, not yet available).

Projected Starters:

Devin Royal – F, #21

Sean Stewart – F, #13

Micah Parrish – F, #8

Bruce Thornton – G, #2

Meechie Johnson – G, #1

The Buckeyes continue to be led in scoring by Bruce Thornton with 14.9 points per game. However, he is coming off an awful performance in his return to his home state of Georgia. His lone 3 pointer came with 5 minutes remaining. Devin Royal continues to tear it up on both ends of the court, he now averages 14.1 points per game to go along with 7.2 rebounds. John Mobley Jr and Micah Parrish both are averaging double figures as well, with 12.1 and 10.4 respectively.

The Buckeyes need this game to go their way in a bad way, as the schedule doesn’t get any friendly with Kentucky and Indiana State on the horizon.

Prediction:

Ohio State is a 20.5 point favorite and they should be able to cover with ease. However, they have been plagued by poor shooting and slow starts in all their losses. This is a trend they must find a way to end if they want to stack up wins. I believe Ohio State will be able to bounce back and get things settled ahead of a showdown with Kentucky on Saturday.

Score: Ohio State 85, Valparaiso 63

Featured image: FOX Sports