Ohio State vs Central Connecticut St Preview

Ohio State (1) Vs. Central Connecticut State (16)
Thursday, 3/15 @ 7:10
Betting Line From Bookmaker: Ohio State -21.5

The #1 nationally ranked Ohio State Buckeyes (30- 3, 15- 1 Big 10) finished first in the Big 10 tournament and first in the league’s regular season standings. The Central Connecticut State Blue Devils (22- 11, 16- 6 NEC) finished first in their league, winning 18 of their last 20 games. This will be a real David versus Goliath battle and for Central Connecticut to win, they had better bring their sling shots.

For Ohio State, 7-foot freshman center Greg Oden (15.5 PPG, 9.7 RPG) leads the frontcourt and the team in scoring and rebounding. Freshman point guard Mike Conely Jr. (10.5 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 6.3 APG) is the set-up guy, while freshman guard Daequan Cook (10.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG) hits 45% of his threes. Guard Ron Lewis (11.7 PPG, 3.4 RPG), the only starting senior, can play inside and out.

There are three starters on the Blue Devils who averaged double figures in scoring this season. Junior guard Tristan Blackwood (17.3 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 4.2 APG) leads the team in scoring and assists and hits threes at 39%, while senior guard Javier Mojica (16.7 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 3.2 APG) is second in points, rebounds and assists and hits threes 41% of the time. Senior forward Obie Nwadlke (14.8 PPG, 10.9 RPG) stands only 6-foot, 4-inches but leads the club in rebounds.

Ohio State should easily make it past the second round but after that, despite their great team, inexperience may take its toll. Central Connecticut is outmatched in every way. Maddux Sports college basketball handicapping team is releasing a basketball pick on this game, signup and cash an easy ticket!

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