3 keys to beating Ohio State and how to watch

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Columbus

5:30

BTN

Ohio State

Minnesota Golden Gophers
Record: 10-8 (3-4)
KenPom Rank: 84

Ohio State Buckeyes
Record: 12-5 (4-3)
KenPom Rank: 34

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KEYS TO A GOPHER WIN

Extra possessions matter – This needs to come as offensive rebounds for Minnesota and if I’m being greedy, we also force more turnovers than usual. OSU is not great at defensive rebounding and they have had a habit of turning the ball over.

Defend Chris Tilly – This 7’ transfer from Santa Clara isn’t their best player, but he is a key cog in their offense. Ideally we will make him run around defensively, getting him away from the basket, and collectively keep him from easy baskets inside. I could see Tilly scoring in the post as a real problem.

Stay out of foul trouble – With such a short bench, this is vital. And this is has become more of an issue in recent games. The starting five HAVE to play a ton of minutes and we cannot afford to have guys on the bench with fouls. Langston Reynolds guarding Bruce Thornton might be the biggest problem from a fouling stand point. This matchup will be key.

PREDICTION

I actually like this matchup more than some of the others recently. If Minnesota runs disciplined offense, like they have been since Christmas, they might get a lot of open baskets. Ohio State is not a great defensive team and I could see more layups for Minnesota.

With that said, we are also not great defensively. Tilly is going to be a problem because of our lack of size and then we need Reynolds to play great defense on Thornton without fouling.

I am feeling optimistic for tonight’s game. Let’s go with aGopher win!

Minnesota – 78
Ohio State – 74