Ohio State will be taking on # 1 seed Syracuse on Saturday, after defeating the Cincinnati Bearcats 81-66, in the battle of Ohio. This will be the Buckeyes first trip to the elite 8 since 2007. The time of Saturday’s game is yet to be determined.
What can we expect from Ohio State vs Syracuse? It could be similar Syracuse’s game against Wisconsin last night, in which they won in a nail biter, 64-63. The game came down to the last possession.
Syracuse, has been rolling through the season establishing a 34-2 record. However, they are without their best player, sophomore Center Fab Melo, who is ineligible due to reported academic issues.
The players may not be the main factor in determining who will win this game on Saturday. It may very well be determined by two big time coaches, Jim Boeheim and Thad Matta. Neither coach is without experience, and both will be sure to have their teams amped and ready to go for a bid to the Final Four.
From a player’s standpoint, this is where the nerves start to show if you have them. Both of these teams showed tremendous resilience in their respective games Thursday night. Ohio State had a large lead, and came out slow in the second half. Cincy took a 4 point lead, but Ohio State battled back and won in convincing fashion.
Syracuse could have also buckled under the pressure tonight. But they showed why their record is 34-2. They could have easily made excuses that we don’t have our best player, but this team has proved they don’t do that. They have battled distractions all year-long, with the allegations of child molestation charges against former coach, Bernie Fine. This team is a real example of mental toughness.
I expect a hard-fought, down to the wire, and exciting game on Saturday. Ultimately, I think the Buckeyes will be ready for the challenge, and will advance to their first Final Four in five years.
