Game Preview, Game 10: Ohio State University

Of all the challenges IUPUI had on their schedule this year, the match up with Ohio State was clearly the most difficult. The Jaguars will roll into Columbus after falling to their arch rival Oral Roberts on a last-second bucket. The Buckeyes come in 6-0 while being ranked second in the major polls. Needless to say, this could be the Jaguar's Mt. Everest.

All About Ohio State

Location: Columbus, Ohio
Founded: 1870
Type: Public
Football: Yes, (BCS)
Student Population: 36,333
Home Arena: Schottenstein Center; 19,049
Head Coach: Thad Matta (since 2004)
2009 Record: 29-8 (14-4)

SoS NOTE: I grew up a Michigan fan, and to this day I have an overwhelming (dislike) of all things Ohio State. This game carries a major double meaning, as my current university takes on the school I've grown up (disliking) for 21 years. An IUPUI victory could quite possibly never be topped emotionally in the sports world.

----------

Individual Leaders

Points/Game
OSU: Lighty, 14.7
IUPUI: Young, 17.2

Minutes/Game
OSU: Lighty, 33.0
IUPUI: Nobles, 35.8

FG%
OSU: Lauderdale, 68.4%
IUPUI: Thomas, 54.7%

FT%
OSU: Craft, 87.5%
IUPUI: Ashworth, 100.0%

3P%
OSU: Diebler, 41.5%
IUPUI: Ashworth, 37.5%

Rebounds/Game
OSU: Sullinger, 9.3
IUPUI: Young, 6.3

Assists/Game
OSU: Craft, 4.5
IUPUI: Thomas, 2.4

Assists:Turnovers
OSU: Diebler, 2.8:1
IUPUI: Ashworth, 1.5:1

Steals/Game
OSU: Lighty, 2.0
IUPUI: Thomas, 1.7

Blocks/Game
OSU: Lauderdale, 3.0
IUPUI: Young, 0.9

The Official Sponsor Of Student On Sports

----------

Team Statistics

IUPUI	Statistic	Ohio State
4-5 (1-1)	Record	6-0 (0-0)
152	BB State Rank	007
271	RPI	003
214	SOS	019
66.9	Points/Game	77.3
64.9	Points Against/Game	51.8
44.6% (137)	Fieldgoal %	48.9% (26)
30.8% (261)	3-Point %	33.9% (173)
75.7% (24)	Free Throw %	69.2% (144)
10.6 (310)	Assists/Game	16.8 (24)
0.640 (311)	Assists:Turnover	1.295 (29)
28.0 (306)	Rebounds/Game	36.0 (58)
3.2 (192)	Blocks/Game	2.7 (94)
16.0 (27)	Fouls/Game	14.5 (8)

----------

Keys To The Game

1) Keep The Game Close.
The biggest worry for coaches like Thad Matta is IUPUI sticking around and making things scary for the Buckeyes...So they must do just that. Hit shots, don't turn it over, and keep momentum in the Jaguar's favor. Or at least neutral.

2) Limit Easy Baskets For OSU.
Breakdowns on defense will be exploited constantly by Ohio State. It's going to happen but it must be limited. The crowd will get all fired up if Buckeye after Buckeye slam the ball in.

3) Go On Runs.
One of the most dangerous things while facing a great team is allowing them to score unanswered points. To combat this, IUPUI needs to go on runs of their own.

4) 50% FG; 45% 3P; 85% FT.
Yeah, it's a little high, but that's what it will take to down the giant.