OHIO STATE BUCKEYES
 Coach: Thad Matta  |  Record: 25-5

 
Overview: Thad Matta hasn't even finished his second season as Buckeye coach, and already he's endured the dark cloud of a self-imposed NCAA Tournament ban (served last season) and celebrated a Big Ten regular season crown (won this season). Ohio State led the Big Ten in the key statistical categories of turnover margin (+2.30) and assist-to-turnover ratio (+1.29), while finishing second in the league in scoring margin (+12.4). This lineup features three fifth-year seniors, so experience is plentiful with this team.

Potential Difference Maker: Everything revolves around Big Ten Player of the Year Terence Dials. He's a natural low post scorer whose stellar work on the interior frees up his Buckeye teammates on the perimeter. He averaged 16.6 ppg and 9.6 rpg over the final 10 games of the regular season, which included five double-double efforts.

On Offense: They run a spread motion offense that will isolate Terrance Dials inside. They have good perimeter shooters and will do a lot of screen the screener action.

On Defense: They play a solid man-to-man defense that does not over extend. Opponents only average thirteen free throws per game against them.

Strength: Dials has been tremendous all season inside and their shooters make it difficult to double team. They are playing with a chip on their shoulder.

Weakness: They are not a great rebounding team and depend a great deal on Dials inside.

Keys to Success: They depend on being a good shooting team and taking care of the basketball. They must keep Dials on the floor and rebound well as a team.

How to Beat Them: You have to make shots from the perimeter, but you can attack them inside. Defensively, they are difficult to defend when they play inside-out. You have to try and push their offense back and take Dials out of the game.