For the second game in a row, Ohio State will be facing a top-25 team without the opposition’s best player.

The ‘Canes were without their team leader, leading scorer, and all-around best player in Jack McClinton.  McClinton was ejected for slapping Anthony Crater in the first half.  At this point, McClinton had 12 points and was on pace to rack up about 30.

The Buckeyes took the opportunity to capitalize in the 2nd half completely dominating on both ends of the ball.

Thad Matta had a few words to say about McClinton after the game.

“He was their main ball handler and scorer.  It was unfortunate for them that he had to leave the game.  We were able to take advantage after that.”

Saturday, Ohio State will take on 7th ranked power in Notre Dame which seemed to come out of nowhere last year to the National Scene.

Notre Dame (5-1) has already had an extremely difficult schedule destroying Indiana (88-50), escaping 8th ranked Texas (81-80), and losing to #1 North Carolina (102-87).

However, who hasn’t lost to North Carolina? They are, undoubtedly, the best team in college basketball, by far, at this point in the season.

Notre Dame boasts last year’s Big (B)East Conference player of the year in Luke Harangody (22ppg, 11 rpg) and Kyle McAlarney (21 ppg, shooting 51%, 39/76 from 3).

Fortunately for the Bucks, Harangody is out indefinitely on Saturday with pneumonia.  The Irish will be without nearly 40% of their scoring and will rely heavily on 3-point threat McAlarney.

Matta’s 1-2-2 Defense 

Coach Thad Matta’s new 1-2-2 zone defense he installed this year will give OSU major problems against hot shooting teams.  Hopefully, we see some sort of change against Notre Dame so they don’t light up the score board.  Conversely, I would love to see any team run a 1-2-2 vs. Jon Deibler.

Ohio State vs. #7 Notre Dame
4:00 pm on CBS
Lucas Oil Stadium (Colts New Stadium) 70,000 for basketball
Hartford Hall of Fame Classic-Indianapolis, IN