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The 2019-’20 college basketball season tipped off on Tuesday night, but there are still a few Big Ten teams that have yet to get into action officially. Two more will tip off on Wednesday night, including an exciting showdown between Cincinnati and Ohio State.
As such, let’s take a look at today’s Big Ten action.
Game of the Day:
-Cincinnati Bearcats at No. 18 Ohio State Buckeyes
- Time/TV: 8:30PM ET (FS1)
- KenPom Spread: Ohio State (-5)
Thad Matta achieved a great deal during his time in Columbus, but he did receive his fair share of criticism as well. And one particular sore spot was his unwillingness to face off against in-state powers like Cincinnati and Xavier. Many felt it would add extra bite to the schedule considering how many good teams were sitting in the state of Ohio.
Well, Chris Holtmann apparently does not have the same aversion. The Buckeyes played at Cincinnati last season and the return game will be on Wednesday night. Both teams enter the season ranked in the top 25 on KenPom and have big expectations. Cincinnati has the challenge of replacing long-time head coach Mick Cronin and Ohio State is hoping to take the next step forward after two straight NCAA Tournament appearances.
The big player to watch for Cincinnati will be Jarron Cumberland. He put up impressive numbers in the backcourt for the Bearcats last year and will be a challenge for the Buckeyes to contain on Wednesday night. Can a young backcourt for Ohio State slow him down? Additionally, Ohio State will hope Kaleb Wesson can carry the team down low against a tough Bearcat defense.
This is probably going to be a tough game with quality defense on both sides that comes down to a few possessions at the end of the game. Keep an eye on DJ Carten, who arrives on Ohio State’s campus with massive expectations this year.
- Pick Against the Spread: Ohio State
The Rest:
-Green Bay Phoenix at No. 23 Purdue Boilermakers
- Time/TV: 7:00PM ET (BTN)
- KenPom Spread: Purdue (-24)
Purdue has been one of the Big Ten’s most consistent programs over the last few years and will hope to get another successful campaign started on Wednesday night. On that front, Purdue will welcome in a heavily overmatched Green Bay to town. The Phoenix are barely a top 200 team on KenPom and will be significant underdogs against the Boilermakers.
The biggest thing to watch in this one will be how Purdue’s offense functions without Carsen Edwards on campus. Look for Nojel Eastern to lead things. Aaron Wheeler also enters the season with big hopes. Keep an eye on both on Wednesday night.
- Pick Against the Spread: Green Bay
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Season Record vs KenPom’s Spread: 0-0-0