After making a surprise run in the Big Ten last season, finishing second with a 15-3 record, Ohio State came up short in the Round of 32 against Gonzaga. However, this year’s squad is much different. Keita Bates-Diop and Jae’Sean Tate have both left, and as of right now, it remains to be seen who will be the Buckeyes’ star player.

Can C.J Jackson step up and be that player? Kaleb Wesson? We’ll see.

Game of the Night

-Ohio State Buckeyes at Cincinnati Bearcats

• Time/TV: 6:00 PM ET – ESPN2
• Covers Spread: Cincinnati (-3)

Last year, Ohio State could win games by playing physical and forcing low-scoring games. They will probably have to do the same this year to succeed in the Big Ten, but against Cincinnati, they may need to play out of their comfort zone.

Cincinnati lost a lot of key players, including Gary Clark (American Conference 2017-2018 Player of the Year), but still returns American Conference 2018-2019 contender Jarron Cumberland. The Bearcats like to play fast, so we’ll see what Ohio State can do.

• Pick Against the Spread: Cincinnati