11/19: Ohio State vs. North Carolina at MSG

• gabuckeye

  Predictions all over the map on this one I see. Really, it's too early to tell how these teams will fair but I am hoping that the defensive effort + an experienced Buckeye squad take care of business in this game. I'm getting pumped to watch these two teams play.
• 2quik4u

  

  UNC by 8
• RiverRat13

  I think OSU wins this by 6-8 points.
  
  Should be some very interesting match-ups if Matta plays man-to-man. I'd expect to see some zone. If I'm Roy, I put my 2nd post player on Diebler instead of trying to stay in front of Lighty, but my guess is he goes the other way.
  
  Roy is probably going to try to play 11-12 guys while Matta has shown he will shorten his bench to win if necessary. And while Ed Davis will be the highest draft pick on the floor, Evan Turner is the best player right now. Marcus Ginyard is a good defender but not a complete lock-down type of guy so I expect Turner to get his.
• bulldog8

  OSU's tenacious defense will put them in a nice position to win this game. Matta always knows how to have his men get after it on both ends of the floor and I look for that to make all the difference. I think OSU can easily go with 9 deep and still hang in the game if Roy does decide to run 11-12 guys. Aside from Turner, Buford, Lighty, Diebler, and Lauderdale....Simmons, Offutt, Madsen, Hill, and Sarikopoulos will all produce quality minutes. I'm looking for OSU to raise some eyebrows tomorrow night and put their name on the map as a national contender. GO BUCKS!
• Elliot Stabler

  UNC by 14
• hoops23

  

  I actually like OSU in this game. I think Evan Turner is really going to put on a show at MSG.
  
  I'm just hoping for a great game. Like I said, even though I absolutely love Carolina bball after my experiences in Chapel Hill, I still love the Buckeyes as well, so if there is ONE team I wouldn't mind UNC to lose to, it's OSU...
• bulldog8

  LTrain.....I agree. I've been a huge fan of the Tar Heels for a long time but love the Buckeyes as well. Unfortunately, in years past, fans from Ohio have only really been given something to cheer about with regard to football (exception was OSU's bball team in 2007). It's great to see the Buckeyes back in the mix of things in bball and hopefully they will be for years to come with the great recruiting classes of Matta.
• thedynasty1998

  

  Tonight is obviously a test for the Bucks. I haven't watched UNC yet this year, but I've seen their size on paper. I'm just scared that UNC will pound OSU in the paint. And I have a feeling Lauderdale is in early foul trouble which will only add to the misery.
  
  Unless Diebler scores at least 17, I don't think OSU has a chance. But if he can score 17 and OSU can keep this game in the 60's they should have a chance.
• Swamp Fox

  Ohio State appears to have a good team this season, with all the pieces present. They just have to learn how to play together against a great team. Here is their opportunity. I think it will be a good game but I'm giving the early season edge to the Tarheels. Call it NC 80 OSU 75
• Fred Garvin

  I think this is the right time to beat NC. They will get better as the year goes on, since most of the starting lineup from last year is gone. Turner will need to have a good game, but if he decides to make it "his" show then OSU will get beat. The Buckeyes can be pretty good if he plays well and distributes the ball.
• Writerbuckeye

  

  This should end up being quite the track meet.
  
  I expect a close game, as well.
• topwrestler

  I cannot wait to watch this game tonight
• Heretic

  

  Whether the Bucks will win tonight, I don't know, but I do think the stars are at least aligned in their favor if they play to their ability. UNC's very young and talented. Bucks aren't as talented, but have a lot more cohesion, which can be a big difference in early season games while their great talent is still meshing with each other in game situations.
  
  If guys like Diebler and Buford aren't hitting their shots, things won't go so well for OSU, but if the team plays well, I think they should have a slight advantage. I'll go with an 83-78 win.
• bo shemmy3337

  Why is this game at MSG? Wasn't the game last year at UNC? If so I think it should be played in Cbus.
• pbuck

  UNC IMO
• darbypitcher22

  

  Its upon us.... only a couple hours away... I'm rockin' my Oden jersey right now... I don't think I've ever been more pumped for a Buckeye Basketball game, other than the debacle against Florida in the Georgia Dome 2 years ago
• Heretic

  

  bo shemmy3337 wrote: Why is this game at MSG? Wasn't the game last year at UNC? If so I think it should be played in Cbus.

  It's part of a pre-season tournament, so it's a neutral site game.
• Writerbuckeye

  

  Bo is confusing this with the Big Ten-ACC Challenge. That takes place a bit later in the year and the Big Ten should win it this year after coming close last season.
• Leonardo

  

  http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/preview?gid=200911190443
• allstar

  Lauderdale is the key. If the Buckeyes still had Mullins, I'd give them the edge. If Lauderdale can rebound effectively and stay out of foul trouble, the Bucks have a good chance.
  
  UNC- 68
  OSU-65
• jpake1

  

  I'm pretty excited about this game. Go Heels! UNC 71 OSU 67
• bo shemmy3337

  Writerbuckeye wrote: Bo is confusing this with the Big Ten-ACC Challenge. That takes place a bit later in the year and the Big Ten should win it this year after coming close last season.

  you are correct I was thinking of that however the Big 10 will loose to the ACC again IMO.
• ohiotiger33

  

  Please beat the shit out of the Tar Heels. We obviously never can; they are one team I can say with complete confidence that they are our daddies.
• dave

  unc shouldn't have trouble here
• Heelz

  

  UNC by 9