Kentucky vs. Ohio State: Full Preview, Odds, and Key Storylines
On Saturday evening, two college basketball powerhouses collide at Madison Square Garden in New York City as the Kentucky Wildcats take on the Ohio State Buckeyes in the CBS Sports Classic. With both programs heading in different directions, this matchup offers an opportunity for Kentucky to continue their strong season and for Ohio State to find stability after recent struggles.
Game Information and How to Watch
The Kentucky-Ohio State matchup is the second game of the CBS Sports Classic doubleheader, following UCLA vs. North Carolina at 3:00 p.m. ET. Here’s how you can tune in:
- Time: 5:30 p.m. ET
- Television: CBS (Brad Nessler, Bill Raftery, Jenny Dell)
- Streaming: Paramount+
- Radio: UK Sports Network (Tom Leach, Goose Givens)
- Satellite Radio: Sirius 158 or 191
- Live Stats: StatBroadcast
Team Form and Recent Performance
Kentucky Wildcats
Ranked 12th by KenPom, Kentucky comes into this game on a three-game winning streak, holding a 10-1 record. Their high-octane offense, which averages 91.3 points per game (best in the nation), has been the driving force behind their success. A win on Saturday would put Kentucky at 11-1 for the first time since their 2012 national championship season.
Key Wins:
- 77-72 vs. Duke (#6)
- 90-89 OT thriller vs. Gonzaga
Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State, ranked 38th by KenPom, has had a rollercoaster season. While the Buckeyes sit at 7-4, they’ve lost three of their last five games, including a blowout defeat to Auburn (91-53). Their inconsistency has been partly due to injuries and absences, with key players like Aaron Bradshaw and Meechie Johnson missing time.
Key Wins:
- 80-72 vs. Texas
- 80-66 vs. Rutgers
Historical Context and Matchup Trends
Kentucky leads the all-time series 11-10, but Ohio State has won the last two matchups in this event, including a 2019 win in Las Vegas and a 2015 victory in Brooklyn. However, Kentucky fans will remember the 2011 NCAA Tournament when Brandon Knight’s clutch shot took down the top-seeded Buckeyes.
On neutral floors, Ohio State holds a slight edge, leading 6-4. This marks the first meeting between Mark Pope and first-year Buckeyes coach Jake Diebler.
Betting Odds and Predictions
- Spread: Kentucky -5.5
- Over/Under Total: 160.5
- KenPom Projection: Kentucky 83, Ohio State 78
- Bart Torvik Projection: Kentucky 84, Ohio State 77
Kentucky has had mixed results against the spread this season, covering in their first five games before narrowly missing in recent matchups against Georgia State and Western Kentucky. They’ll look to re-establish their dominance on Saturday.
Projected Starting Lineups
Kentucky Wildcats
- G: Lamont Butler (15.1 PPG, 4.1 APG)
- G: Otega Oweh (15.7 PPG, 4.0 RPG)
- G: Jaxson Robinson (12.5 PPG, 4.2 RPG)
- F: Andrew Carr (10.9 PPG, 6.5 RPG)
- C: Amari Williams (10.2 PPG, 9.1 RPG)
Ohio State Buckeyes
- G: Bruce Thornton (14.8 PPG, 5.1 APG)
- G: John Mobley Jr. (12.1 PPG, 53.6% from three)
- G: Micah Parrish (10.5 PPG, 4.7 RPG)
- F: Devin Royal (15.6 PPG, 7.9 RPG)
- F: Sean Stewart (5.7 PPG, 5.8 RPG)
Key Storylines to Watch
Kentucky’s Sharpshooting Offense vs. Ohio State’s Defense
Kentucky leads the nation in scoring, averaging over 91 points per game, with six players shooting at least 30% from beyond the arc. Ohio State, ranked 13th in three-point efficiency, faces the challenge of limiting Kentucky’s perimeter attack while compensating for their own inconsistent shooting.
Aaron Bradshaw’s Status
Former Kentucky recruit Aaron Bradshaw now plays for Ohio State but has missed recent games due to an investigation. While he’s been cleared to return, his availability for Saturday remains uncertain. His presence could provide much-needed size and rebounding for the Buckeyes.
Will Meechie Johnson Return?
Ohio State’s backcourt depth is also in question as Meechie Johnson remains away from the team addressing personal matters. Without Johnson, the Buckeyes will lean heavily on freshman guard John Mobley Jr., who has excelled in recent games.
Rebounding Battle
Kentucky leads the nation in defensive rebounding, averaging 32.7 boards per game. With Ohio State ranked No. 203 in rebounding, this disparity could be a deciding factor, especially given Kentucky’s significant size advantage.
Madison Square Garden Homecomings
Several players on both teams have roots near New York City, adding an emotional element to the matchup. Kentucky’s Mark Pope, a native of Yorktown Heights, NY, and Ohio State players like Koby Brea and Otega Oweh will feel right at home.
Final Thoughts
Kentucky has momentum, depth, and scoring firepower on its side, while Ohio State is battling injuries, absences, and inconsistency. For the Wildcats, this game represents an opportunity to build confidence heading into SEC play. Meanwhile, the Buckeyes hope to turn their season around with a statement win on one of basketball’s biggest stages.
Expect a hard-fought battle at Madison Square Garden, with Kentucky looking like the stronger team on paper. If Ohio State can neutralize Kentucky’s size advantage and find consistency from beyond the arc, they could make this a competitive contest.