Inhibiting Illinois

Ohio State brings their number one ranking to Assembly Hall in Champaign, Illinois this afternoon. The Buckeyes tipoff at noon against the 23rd ranked Illini hoping to extend their undefeated season another day and improve to 20-0 on the year. Ohio State faces a tough test at hostile Assembly Hall in what should be the first of a series of challenging contests in the coming weeks. The Buckeyes will face seven teams ranked in the top 25 in their next nine games.
Today, their 14-5 Big Ten opponents boast an admirable crew in defensive-minded Illinois. The Illini lead the conference in three-point shooting and three-point shooting defense. Assist man, Demetri McCamey, will be a catalyst for the home team. Last season, Evan Turner and the Buckeyes held McCamey to just nine points in a 72-53 victory on the road. The pressure will be heavier for this season’s matchup. Illinois have immense front-court size, solid shooting from beyond the arc and are savvy in the back-court. Starting guard, D.J. Richardson and forward, Bill Cole both shoot well from a distance and will be a tricky test for OSU’s outside guards. Senior Mike Davis leads the Illini in shooting and center Mike Tisdale is more than accurate from the line. The Buckeyes are capable of disposing any team in college basketball, but they must contain the high scoring Illini. Illinois is so effective in creating opportunities for their shooters. The Buckeyes must be careful not to turn the ball over.
Illinois already toppled Michigan State at home this season. The Illini are a team that struggles on the road so should be prepared for a number one ranked OSU squad. Bruce Weber will have them equipped to handle the likes of Jared Sullinger’s outside looks and David Lighty’s diligent drives to the basket. The Bucks had a difficult time defending Penn State in their win over the Lions last weekend, but rebounded to suffocate the Hawkeyes 70-48 on Wednesday. Which OSU team will show up in Champaign this afternoon?

Parting Points: Song of the day-“6, 8, 12” by Brian Mcknight

Manny Ramirez and Johnny Damon reunite in Tampa. Interesting pick-ups for the Rays.