The No. 7 seed Ohio State Buckeyes advanced to face the No. 2 seed Villanova Wildcats in the Round of 32. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:40 pm from PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA, airing live on CBS.

Buckeyes Recap:

The Buckeyes have survived the first round by defeating Loyola Chicago by a score of 54-41. After the treacherous slide to the end of the season, Chris Holtmann’s team was able to answer the call and provide the Buckeye Nation with an exciting first-round victory. The Buckeyes were able to hold the Ramblers to 30% shooting or less in all three phases of their offense (Free Throws, 3-point attempts, Field Goals). They also held Loyola’s leading scorers to just a combined 18 points.

The Buckeye’s offense had some early woes as both defenses were very stingy, however, they would eventually get going with some easy transition baskets. The leading scorer for the Buckeyes was EJ Liddell with 16 and Malachi Branham was right behind him with 14. However, the MVP for the Bucks was none other than Kyle Young, who made his presence felt early. Young was back to his normal self, making nearly every hustle play he could. It was evident how much this team missed his intensity on both ends of the floor as he added 9 points, 7 rebounds, a steal, and a blocked shot. Zed Key was limited to only 12 minutes in his return, but did add 7 rebounds.

Who is Villanova?:

The Wildcats were 27-7 on the season, finishing 2^nd in the Big East, however, they did defeat Creighton to win their conference tournament. In the first round, they handled 15 seed, Delaware, easily, winning by a score of 80-60.

The Wildcats have made the big dance every year since 2013 and have won 2 National Championships during this time, in 2016 and 2018. Last season the team fell short of a title run in the Sweet 16 to the future champs the Baylor Bears.

The Villanova offense is led by 5th-year Senior Guard Collin Gillespie, he averages just under 16 points per game while shooting 42% from long distance. Junior Guard Justin Moore is also an important scorer, averaging 15 points per game of his own. In their first-round matchup, this duo combined for 35 points while only turning the ball over 4 times. However, this offense isn’t just these two guys as 5 total scorers reached double figures in the first round. Villanova is also rather stingy on the defensive end and will be able to throw three solid Forwards into their rotation to try to stifle the Buckeyes on the interior.

What to Expect:

This is an important matchup for both teams between two coaches that are rather familiar with each other. Holtmann attributes a lot of his coaching methodology and fundamentals to Jay Wright and how he has run the Villanova program, according to recent interviews. All-time Holtmann is 3-4 against Wright, with all but one of these matchups coming during his tenure with Butler.

For the Wildcats this game is about avoiding an early exit and making a run at the title, as they are one of the betting favorites. As many teams have tried and failed, their goal will be to limit the effectiveness of Branham and Liddell. However, some clear disadvantages with size and depth may present themselves throughout the game. On the offensive end, this team will play through their stellar guards and look to stay hot from long distance. They can score in bunches, especially from beyond the arc, averaging over 9 successful attempts per game.

For the Buckeyes, this game must mean more for them if they would like a shot at the Sweet 16. Not only is there the potential for a rubber match with rival Michigan if they can beat the Wildcats, but it is also a chance for a Holtmann-led Buckeyes’ team to advance past the second round. Branham and Liddell must put together stellar performances, but they will need help. Kyle Young is again going to have to play a big role for the Buckeyes. Young needs to continue to be the scrappy, hard-nosed player fans have come to love. Another important factor for the Buckeyes is the defense. Replicating the intensity and execution of the Loyola game will certainly present Nova with fits on offense. The Buckeyes stepped up to the plate in the first round, again Buckeye Nation is hopeful that this team do the same against the Wildcats.

 

Injury News:

-Justice Sueing/Seth Towns: out for season

Gabe’s Guess:

The Villanova Wildcats currently sit as a 5.5-point favorite, which comes as no surprise based on their respective successes. I believe that the Buckeyes have gone through a mental and physical reset and are poised to make a run. Holtmann has this team playing with a chip on their shoulder. If the intensity and execution carry over to today’s game, Villanova is in trouble. Against all odds and rationality, I’m leaning towards the Buckeyes. Their first-round performance has given me and many other Buckeye fans new hope.

Final: 73-72, Ohio State Buckeyes

How to watch:

Catch all the action at approximately 2:40 pm ET on CBS

 

Featured Image: AP Photo