Ohio State basketball: Keys for Buckeyes to beat North Carolina

3. The Ohio State basketball team has to take and make the three

The third and final key for Ohio State to beat North Carolina is that the three-point shot has to be a factor for the Buckeyes. So far this season the Buckeyes are shooting exactly 37% from deep through nine games. If the Buckeyes can shoot their average on the season or a little north of 40%, they will have a great shot at winning this game.

North Carolina hasn’t been that great on the defensive end this season, especially on the perimeter. The Tar Heels are 211th in opponent three-point percentage, they’re allowing teams to shoot 34.4% from three. Ohio State needs to take advantage of the inefficient defensive effort by the Tar Heels on the perimeter and knock down shots under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden.

The Buckeyes have shot significantly better from beyond the arc so far this season. They have many options that are willing to shoot the three now, including Zed Key. Ohio State will need Sean McNeil to continue his sharp shooting against North Carolina.

The Buckeyes will also need Sensabaugh, Sueing, and Thornton to capitalize on open looks from deep. I can also see Tanner Holden having a big game riding his electric buzzer-beater against Rutgers.

This will be a good final non-conference test for Ohio State before they start up Big Ten play again. North Carolina is trying to turn things around with a win over a ranked team, so the Buckeyes will have to be prepared for a battle.

This hasn’t been the North Carolina team everyone was expecting coming into the season. If Ohio State can hit on all three of these keys mentioned, they are going to have a great opportunity to leave New York City with a huge win.

Tip-off is set for 3:00 pm eastern time on CBS for Ohio State’s match-up with North Carolina in the CBS Sports Classic from Madison Square Garden.