In just its ninth game, Ohio (3-5) will take on its third 2023-24 NCAA Tournament team in Morehead State (3-5). Neither team has gotten off to the start it wanted to, but for Ohio, Saturday’s matchup presents an opportunity to win its third game at The Convo in just as many chances.
Here’s everything to know ahead of the game.
Game information:
Opponent: Morehead State
Location: The Convo
Time: Saturday at 4 p.m.
Where to watch: ESPN+
Follow live stats here.
Meet the opponent:
Head Coach: Jonathan Mattox (first season)
Projected Starters:
No. 0, Jalen Breazeale
No. 3, Kade Ruegsegger
No. 5, Tyler Brelsford
No. 8, Anouar Mellouk
No. 13, Kenny White Jr.
Statistical leaders:
Points: White Jr. (15.9 per game)
Rebounds: Dieonte Miles (6.8 per game)
Assists: Breazeale (2.8 per game)
Steals: Jerone Morton (1.7 per game)
Blocks: Steven Clay (1.0 per game)
Field goal percentage: Morton (.588)
Three-point percentage: Kyle Ruegsegger (.366)
Free-throw percentage: Breazeale (.792)
Morehead State notes:
Last year, the Eagles were a team that capitalized on a one-year window to make the NCAA Tournament. Highlighted by Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year Riley Minix, who now plays for the G-League affiliate of the San Antonio Spurs, Morehead State went 26-9, topping the OVC.
This season, Morehead State has gotten out to a much slower start, bringing in an entirely new starting five and essentially running a one-man show offense. The Eagles are 324th out of 364 in the nation in offensive rating and inside the bottom 100 in defensive rating.
Player to watch: Kenny White Jr.
White Jr. is the only Morehead State player averaging double-digit points per game this season. The fifth-year is on his fourth team with the Eagles, playing for Tennessee Tech, Murray State and UT Martin. White Jr. won the most recent OVC Player of the Week, averaging 23.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.
