As the Kentucky Wildcats prepare to face the Ohio State Buckeyes in the CBS Sports Classic, expectations are high for Big Blue Nation. For Ohio State, however, the game may feel like an afterthought as most Buckeye fans eagerly await the college football action later that evening. Still, the basketball matchup holds significant importance for Kentucky, which has yet to secure a win against Ohio State in the CBS Sports Classic, currently sitting at 0-2 in the event.
To gain insight into Ohio State’s basketball team and their chances against Kentucky, we spoke with Ryan Stano, an Ohio State expert and editor for Scarlet and Game, a site on the Fansided network. His candid analysis reveals a stark reality for Buckeye fans heading into this clash at Madison Square Garden.
Breaking Down Ohio State
When asked to describe the Buckeyes’ strengths and weaknesses, Stano emphasized their reliance on perimeter shooting and transition play.
“Ohio State thrives when they’re hitting their threes,” Stano explained. “They want to play like a modern NBA team, launching from deep and forcing opponents to chase them. They’re also strong in transition, looking to get downhill quickly.”
However, the Buckeyes’ vulnerabilities are glaring. Without standout rim protector Aaron Bradshaw, their interior defense is shaky at best. “They struggle to defend the paint and rely heavily on their offense to keep them competitive,” Stano added. “If their shots don’t fall, their defense can’t hold up, and they tend to foul a lot.”
The Kentucky Matchup
According to Stano, the Wildcats are poised to exploit these weaknesses. Kentucky’s size, depth, and firepower—especially in the post—present a daunting challenge for Ohio State.
“I don’t see how Ohio State can contain Amari Williams down low,” Stano admitted. “He might end up with 16 rebounds. Their interior defense is no match for him, and their struggles to guard the perimeter will likely hurt them, too. Auburn lit them up from three recently, and I expect Kentucky to do the same.”
Stano predicted that Kentucky will dominate the game from start to finish. “I’d be shocked if this is a single-digit game,” he said.
Bold Prediction
When asked for a final score prediction, Stano didn’t hold back: “Ohio State is going to lose this game 87-70. It won’t be particularly close at any point.”
His forecast underscores Kentucky’s potential to control every aspect of the game, from the post to the perimeter.
Fan Distraction
One of the most telling aspects of Stano’s analysis is the apparent lack of attention from Ohio State fans. With the Buckeyes’ college football team gearing up for a pivotal game in the College Football Playoff, most fans are likely to treat this basketball matchup as a warm-up for the main event.
“They might watch the first half,” Stano speculated, “but if it gets out of hand, they’ll probably tune out and focus on football.”
A Game of Redemption
For Kentucky, this game isn’t just another matchup—it’s a chance to break their CBS Sports Classic losing streak against Ohio State. The Wildcats have momentum on their side, having already secured a big win over Duke in the Champions Classic earlier this season. A victory against the Buckeyes would not only end their winless streak in this event but also position them for a rare sweep of the CBS Sports Classic and Champions Classic in the same year, something they haven’t achieved since 2016.
As tip-off approaches, all eyes in Big Blue Nation will be on their team’s ability to assert dominance and rewrite the narrative against Ohio State. For the Buckeyes, it’s a tall order to upset the Wildcats, and even their most knowledgeable experts don’t seem optimistic. Catch the action on CBS at 5:30 PM EST to see if Kentucky can deliver the statement win they’ve been waiting for.