Game: (603) Villanova Wildcats (1-0) vs (604) Ohio State Buckeyes(2-0)
Time: Wed. 11/13/2019 7:00 PM EST at Value City Arena
Spread: Ohio State -3 ML: -NA Total: 131.5 at 5Dimes
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The 16th-ranked Buckeyes welcome No. 10 Villanova to town on Wednesday in a Big Ten vs. Big East early-season matchup. Both of these teams are ranked in the top 25 with Ohio State sitting at 2-0, while Villanova sits at 1-0.
Villanova has only had one game to warm up and it was against Army, while Ohio State has already played two and one of them was against a very tough Cincinnati team. The Wildcats will still have plenty of rust, while the Buckeyes are sharpened and ready to roll. The Wildcats are replacing each of their top two scorers from last season, and are going on the road with a very young squad here. This one should be a hard-fought matchup that will come down to defense.
Villanova only gave up 54 points in their opener, while Ohio State has yet to give up more than 56 through two games.
In its first two games, Ohio State has allowed 56 points in each outing and has held both opponents under 35 percent shooting. Ohio State has defended the perimeter well, holding opponents to 20.5 percent shooting from 3-point range (9 for 44). Wesson, a 6’9” 270-pound junior that is averaging 10.5 points and 12.0 rebounds in the first two games will not be playing in tonight’s game. Junior Kyle Young will have to make up for his absence. Young leads the team in scoring at 12 PPG.
Villanova has the frontcourt depth to handle the Buckeyes big men and since Ohio State F Andre Wesson will miss the game with an eye injury this might be a tough day for Ohio State to score down low. Relying on the outside game is not their strong suit, shooting only 35.9% on the year as a team. Villanova will always bring in top talent, they will be coming prepared for this tough matchup. Look for this to be a low scoring close game that comes down to the last few possessions. These are two of College Basketball’s slowest-paced teams. Ohio State ranks 302nd in possessions per game (66.5) and Villanova is 323rd (65.8) dating back to last season.