UConn vs. Ohio State Prediction, Game Preview

The UConn Huskies will be back home in Storrs, Conn. to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Gampel Pavilion. Below is the UConn vs. Ohio State prediction and game preview.

UConn vs. Ohio State Game Preview

Game Broadcast

Date: Saturday, Dec. 12
Game Time: 12 p.m. ET
Venue: Gampel Pavilion, Storrs, Conn.
Network: CBS

Why You Need To Care

Kevin Ollie has seen a lot of success in his first few years as a head coach. He won a national championship in his second season at UConn, so you have to admire how he’s been able to sustain the success the Huskies had under Jim Calhoun.

But it has been a rough couple of weeks for Ollie and UConn (5-3). After starting the season out 4-0, the Huskies have taken losses in three of their last four games. The latest jab to hit UConn was a 76-66 defeat to Maryland on Tuesday.

Ohio State (4-4) has at least sandwiched its poor play. The Buckeyes opened up with two wins at home before dropping their following four games. But now Ohio State has won back-to-back games against Virginia Military Institute and Air Force to even up its record.

Let’s see how head coach Thad Matta handles his team Saturday. It’s never easy when the first road game of the season is in Storrs, Conn.

Why UConn Will Win

The Huskies have gotten a lot production from their backcourt so far. Rodney Purvis and Daniel Hamilton are combining for 27.7 points, 11.8 rebounds and 8.6 assists per game. But Amida Brimah has to show up in this one. His shot-blocking ability is easily one of UConn’s most valuable assets. The Huskies have swatted 55 shots so far — 11th most in the nation — and Brimah has 25 of them. If Ohio State’s guards get a lane to the rim, look for Brimah to erase anything thrown up.

Why Ohio State Will Win

Who should Buckeyes fans be loving in this one? Marc Loving. Okay, that was a dud, but Loving hasn’t been one. He’s averaging 17.1 points and seven rebounds per game for Ohio State. He’s been a big reason why the Buckeyes pull down 38.5 rebounds per game. He and Jae’Sean Tate will have to crash the boards hard in this one. UConn has allowed 101 offensive rebounds so far, and some second-chance points can go a long way in this matchup.

What’s Going To Happen?

It’s the Gampel Pavilion. It’s UConn. The Huskies will defend their home court by keeping the Buckeyes off the boards and forcing Loving, who shoots 49 percent from the field, into some contested jump shots. Purvis and Hamilton will knock down some perimeter jump shots, but Hamilton will do a little more with the rock in terms of getting his teammates some open looks. Brimah’s presence down low will keep Ohio State from getting easy buckets, and UConn will avoid a second straight loss.