It’s time to get this thing called Ohio State basketball going. It’s the third season for head coach Chris Holtmann, and it should be his most talented team to date.
But, like any new season, there are a lot of questions, unknowns, and things yet to be determined. Those answers should start to come beginning Wednesday night against a pretty good challenge against an in-state foe that has a decent basketball pedigree itself.
The Buckeyes went to the Queen City last season to open things up and left with a victory, and there’s no doubt the Bearcats would like to return the spoils of things at home for Ohio State.
As we always do, we open it up to our contributors to predict the game and here’s what everyone thinks.
Next … the predictions
Contact/Follow Phil Harrison
Ohio State 72, Cincinnati 65
There will be some rust, there will be some frustrations, and there will be times when you wonder how this team is going to come together. In the end though, the Buckeyes have more talent on paper and are playing in front of the home fans. I like Ohio State to pull away late.
Contact/Follow Mark Russell
Ohio State 67, Cincinnati 59
Ultimately, I believe home court advantage and a new slimmed down Kaleb Wesson will be too much for the Bearcats. Also excited to see how the new group of Freshmen perform under the lights of a marquee matchup to start their college careers.
Contact/Follow Brent Reeves
Ohio State 83, Cincinnati 69
Cincinnati will be looking for revenge from last year but Ohio State will be too much on the inside as the game moves along. This one will be close early as the Freshman try to get into a rhythm.
Contact/Follow Brock Netter
Ohio State 78, Cincinnati 58
It’ll be a slow start out of the gates. I watched the exhibition game against Cedarville (shoutout to my cousin, Cedarville guard Branden Maughmer) and the Buckeyes looked out of sorts with C.J. Walker starting. Once D.J. Carton took over at point guard, the Buckeyes looked like a well-oiled machine. Expect the Buckeyes to make a statement early with a resounding win.
Contact/Follow Jackson Fryburger
Ohio State 74, Cincinnati 62
The Buckeyes look to build off an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2018-19, behind the veteran leadership of the Wesson brothers, with incoming freshman DJ Carton, EJ Liddell and Alonzo Gaffney. Cincinnati must replace its head coach Mick Cronin and a plethora of talent, which should be the difference in Columbus on Wednesday. I like Ohio State to pull away in the second half of this game.
Contact/Follow Samuel Baum
Ohio State 73, Cincinnati 60
The dup of DJ Carton and Wesson will lead the Buckeyes in an early season contest.
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