Ohio State Buckeyes Versus Minnesota Golden Gophers
Date: 1/9/09
Where: Williams Arena, Minneapolis, MN
Time: 3:30
Matchup To Watch: Ohio State's Bigs vs. Minnesota's Bigs
Ohio State (11-4 1-2), Minnesota (11-4 2-1) The Buckeyes go on the road for the third time in four games in conference play today as they prepare to battle against the Golden Gophers. Ohio State is coming off a much needed victory over the Hoosiers wednesday night and will look to build on that performance this afternoon in Minneapolis. The task wont be easy, as the Gophers are extrememly well coached with Tubby Smith at the helm. Minnesota also is a very experienced and talented team. Laurence Westbrook leads the attack, although his scoring output from a year is down from 15 a game to about 7 a game. That isnt a knock on Westbrook but really a testament to the type of offense that Minnesota runs. They have the ability to beat you many ways. Blake Hoffarber is a Jon Diebler clone and Al Nolen is a very good point guard capable of taken over the game and getting into the lane. Minnesota has some athletic wing players as well with Damien Johnson and Rodney Williams both at 6-7 making it tough for opposing defenses to key in on Nolen and Westbrook. Topping off the Gopher attack is 6-11 Ralph Sampson III. Although he is not as assertive and is still growing into a true center, Sampson is a good defensive presence in the paint, his backup Colten Iverson at 7-0 is not as good defensively but is a better player offensively. Anytime Ohio State matches up with the Gophers it scares me. Minnesota has depth, talent, and size, they are also a very good defensive team as most Tubby Smith teams are. For Ohio State to win, they will need Evan Turner to stay on the floor. Look for Ohio State to play some zone to curb the height of the gophers and some man defense to keep Hoffarber in check. The Buckeye Lineup of Turner, Diebler, Lighty, Lauderdale, and Buford is 6-0 this season. Even though the Buckeyes dont have as much depth, they are one of the most talented teams in the league. Ohio State will need to play hard today as this will no doubt be a physical low scoring affair. Look for the Buckeyes to come out on top though, 61-57 Bucks get it done and get back into the Big Ten Race!!!!!
