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The Top 5 Ohio State Basketball games to look forward to

By Garrett Allen

Mar 10, 2023; Chicago, IL, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes guard Bruce Thornton (2) drives to the basket against Michigan State Spartans guard A.J. Hoggard (11) during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2023; Chicago, IL, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes guard Bruce Thornton (2) drives to the basket against Michigan State Spartans guard A.J. Hoggard (11) during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The season is finally upon us. Forget last year, Ohio State basketball has a fresh start and is looking to make some noise in the Big Ten and nationally. While the Buckeyes get to the hardwood tonight against Oakland, let’s take a look at the most-anticipated basketball games on the schedule for Chris Holtmann and the Buckeyes this year.

#5: Texas A&M Friday, November 10th 7 pm

This is an early non-conference matchup that will have large implications for both squads. After a disappointing season a year ago, Ohio State will need big wins against power conference opponents, especially against a team that made the NCAA Tournament and won 25 games a year ago.

#4: Alabama Friday, November 24th, 7 pm (Emerald Coast Classic, Niceville, FL)

Following a 30+ win season, the Crimson Tide have shown that they are more than just a football school. Led by Brandon Miller, Alabama made it to the Sweet 16 and earned a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament last year. While they will have some questions about who will be the next superstar, the Tide start out the season ranked #24. The Buckeyes need to show last year is in the past in this early-season tournament.

#3: @ Michigan State Sunday, February 25th, 4 pm

This game is pivotal to see how the Buckeyes can fare with the top teams in the country. Michigan State starts the season ranked 4th in the country and has national championship aspirations. Will the Buckeyes have a shot at the conference championship at this point in the season?

#2: UCLA Saturday, December 16th 3 pm (Champion’s Classic, Atlanta, GA)

The Bruins are a larger question mark than they have been under Mick Cronin. The Bruins are coming off a 31-win season and a Sweet 16 appearance. However, the Bruins lost their top 5 scorers from a year ago. The Buckeyes have to be ready for Adem Bona, the Bruins preseason Naismith Watchlist player.

#1: Purdue Sunday, February 18th, 1 pm

Purdue coming to the Schott is clearly the biggest game of the year for the Ohio State basketball team. With Naismith Player of the Year Zach Edey returning to West Lafayette, Purdue is one of the favorites to win a national championship. Ohio State needs to show that they can fight and play with the best in the country, especially by limiting Edey on the offensive side of the ball.

Hopefully, the Ohio State basketball team can have a better year than last year’s trainwreck.

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