The last time the Ohio State men’s basketball team met their University of California Golden Bears counterparts, it was for the 1960 NCAA National Championship; a 75-55 Buckeyes victory. Forty-eight years later, the respective Big Ten and Pac-10 squads might only be locking up for a second-round National Invite Tournament game (7PM ESPN), but it will still have an “old-school” feel.

Coming off a 84-66 win vs. UNC-Asheville in the first-round of the NIT, OSU will battle the PAC-10’s offensive and defensive scoring leader (77/75.2ppg) at historic St. John Arena, in hopes that the wooden mystic and improved play will push them one step closer to their first NIT championship since 1986.

For OSU, this game will be a true test of their ability to contend with a pure non-conference offensive juggernaut. Cal, whom narrowly defeated the University of New Mexico Lobos 68-66 in round-one, brings four legitimate scoring threats to the table in stud forwards Ryan Anderson and DeVon Hardin, along with guards Patrick Christopher and Jerome Randle. With Ben Braun’s up-tempo style of offensive play, it will be up to the Buckeyes 2-3 zone to contain what could potentially be a long night. The Golden Bears have put up 80 points or more against impressive foes such as UCLA, Arizona State, Southern California and Missouri.

OSU, which averaged close to 67ppg overall during the season, seemed to find their offensive identity best against non-conference opponents, equaling 79ppg or more in over half of those contests (14^th strength of schedule). If Thad Matta’s half-court sets continue to bring free throw opportunities and wide open shooting space, the Buckeyes could very likely touch 90 points in this contest. Recently, David Lighty and Evan Turners knack for penetrating against combination defenses is another sign which bodes well for OSU.

Key Stats for OSU/CAL-

-Winner will face the winner of the 3-seed Dayton vs. 2-seed Illinois State game.

-OSU is 7-9 lifetime against California, with every meeting coming before 1960.

-The Buckeyes defeated VMI 90-57 back on Nov. 25^th to move to 428-151 at SJA

-Ohio State is 9-11 vs. opponents who qualified for postseason play.

-For the third-consecutive game, the Buckeyes had four players with double-digit points: Butler (21 points), Othello Hunter (16), Koufos (15) and David Lighty (13). Lighty scored all of his 13 points in the first half.

Players to Watch-

OSU- Jamar Butler/Othello Hunter

With any game potentially being his last in scarlet and gray, senior guard Jamar Butler continues to show why his hard work and offensive skills were a key part of his four year success. With three 20-point games in his last four appearances, including 21 vs. UNC-Asheville, no.14 is OSU’s key weapon against this soft California zone. Look for the Buckeyes to free the captain for plenty of open three-point looks, as he was 5-10 in his last affair. The guard will also be asked to run the court more often then usual which could leas to easy buckets.

Senior forward Othello Hunter will also be a key player in this contest. With freshman Kosta Koufos seeing double-team action in the paint, Hunter will be counted on for some big points inside of 10-feet and potentially another double-double against a big-time opponent. He has been hot and cold all season but with his hour-glass fading as well, don’t be surprised to see him put together a convincing performance. With California’s big front court, “O-hunt” will also need to keep Anderson and Hardin outside of their money area if OSU wants to subside their vicious attack.

CAL- Ryan Anderson/ Patrick Christopher

Where there is scoring, there is Anderson and Christopher. The two talented bears have dropped double digits in almost every game this season and have been sizzling hot of late. Anderson, the 6-10 sophomore forward brings a mixture of gritty inside play and a smooth outside jumper like that of a Chris Bosh character; good for 21ppg and 10rpg. Anderson has caused havoc against the best of the PAC-10 and was key in their first-round win. Patrick Christopher, who averaged over 15ppg, is the Travon Hughes of the Pacific. He is smooth and a threat to score any time he has the ball. He can work off the dribble or take it the hoop and create contact. With the Buckeyes zone pressure, he will be counted on to draw defenders in and open the space for some of Ben Braun’s dynamic shooters. The guard is also a key to the Golden Bears transition offense attack when the coach orders a push in the tempo.

Deciding Factors- For a Buckeyes Win

-Who will come out to the early lead?

- Can Koufos and Hunter defend the paint against Anderson and Hardin?

- Will Jamar Butler continue to stay hot? Who will help him (Hunter, Lighty, Turner)?

- How will OSU adjust to California’s offensive push?

- Can St. John Arena bring a positive home-court atmosphere to an NIT game?

IF SO- Final Score OSU 85- CAL 79