In the all-time series between the teams, Ohio State holds a commanding 107-45 lead, although last season ended in a last second shot, losing 72-69. Northwestern runs the "Princeton Offense" meaning the Wildcats will be spreading the ball around with moving players in and out. It usually ends in an open shot for them, providing plenty of pressure for the Buckeye defense.
Ohio State's offense has done very well this season, much thanks to the 3-ball. Of course, the 3-ball only happens when you have a good inside man. The Buckeyes have, most likely, the best big man in the game right now. Jared Sullinger has lead this team, and offense, to great heights.
Diebler and Lighty are key to this game, as Lighty can shoot inside and outside the mark, so it will be interesting to see Northwestern try and contain them.
Notes:
- With a win over the Wildcats, Ohio State will set a new record for most consecutive wins by a team the lost the National Player of the Year from the previous season. UCLA opened the 1969-70 season 21-0 after losing POY Lew Alcindor from the previous season.
- Two years ago in Evanston, Jon Diebler hit 8 3-point shots and finished with 28 points. He needs only 6 on Saturday to pass Cory Bradford of Illinois and move into 3rd place on the Big Ten's All-Time 3-point Leaders list. Diebler has 322, and is only 10 behind the all-time leader Pete Lisicky of Penn State (332).
- Ohio State is now 62-4 when ranked #1 by the Associated Press.
- The win on Tuesday over Purdue was OSU's 17th straight home win.
Notes provided via Eleven Warriors.
