#2 Ohio State at South Carolina: Preview & Prediction

Time/TV: Noon, ESPN

Line: Ohio State -14.5.

Storylines: After a loss at Kansas on Saturday, Jared Sullinger returned Wednesday and the Buckeyes looked like themselves in an 82-58 win over South Carolina-Upstate. South Carolina has been awful this season without Bruce Ellington, who opted to return kicks and catch passes for the Gamecocks this fall.

Key Matchup: Ohio State’s defense vs. South Carolina’s offense. The Gamecocks are shooting woefully (42 percent from the field, 30 from the 3-point line) and they haven’t seen a defense like they will Saturday. The Buckeyes are holding opponents to 41 percent shooting and 34 percent from beyond the 3-point arc.

The Bottom Line: This is a mismatch in every area of the game, particularly if Sullinger’s back spasms have subsided. Even on the road, Ohio State will have a double-figure lead early.

The Pick: Ohio State 74, South Carolina 47.