Ohio plays archrival Marshall on Saturday afternoon, the third matchup with the Thundering Herd in the last three seasons. The Bobcats last played Tuesday night, defeating Iona 89-65.
Tipoff is set for 3:30 p.m. following the women’s game at 1. Below is how to watch the game, scouting reports, player to watch and the key to the game.
The game
Where: The Convo, 7 p.m.
How to watch: ESPN+
How to listen: Ohio IMG Sports Network
The opposition
Suit and t-shirt wearing coach Dan D’Antoni brings Marshall into The Convo for the first time since the 2015-16 season, a season removed from winning in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
The last two seasons Ohio’s met the Thundering Herd in Huntington, West Virginia, with margins of less than 10. Last season, it marked the end of Jason Carter’s season. The Thundering Herd now bring in the electric duo of Jon Elemore and C.J. Burks, who are both averaging over 18 points per game.
Scouting report
Ohio Bobcats (4-2)
PROJECTED LINEUP (Player Pos. HT., Key Statistic Per Game): Jason Preston (G, 6-3, 175, 2.83 assists per game), Jason Carter (G/F, 6-8, 220, 18.7 points per game), Teyvion Kirk (G, 6-4, 185, 16.2 points per game), Antonio Cowart Jr. (G, 6-2, 175, 5.2 rebounds per game), Doug Taylor (F, 6-9, 248, 8.5 rebounds per game).
Marshall Thundering Herd (5-1)
Jon Elmore (G, 6-3, 185, 19.6 points per game), Jarrod West (G, 5-11, 185, 2.6 assists per game), C.J. Burks (G, 6-4, 185, 18.2 points per game), Jannson Williams (F, 6-9, 215, 4.4 rebounds per game), Iran Bennett (F, 6-9, 350, 3.4 rebounds per game)
Player to watch
Jon Elmore: The senior guard opted to stay one more season instead of declaring for the NBA Draft. A 3-point threat, Elmore can knock down shots from all over the court, and could turn Saturday’s game into a shootout.
Key to the game
Convo culture: It’s basketball alumni weekend in The Convo, which will bring back former coaches and players. More importantly, the last two meetings with Marshall in Huntington have been loud and chippy. An environment like that may lend itself to the Bobcats come Saturday.