Who’s Playing
Loyola Chicago @ Ohio State
Regular Season Records: Loyola Chicago 25-7; Ohio State 19-11
What to Know
The Ohio State Buckeyes and the Loyola Chicago Ramblers are set to clash at 12:15 p.m. ET March 18 at PPG Paints Arena in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Loyola Chicago will be strutting in after a win while the Buckeyes will be stumbling in from a loss.
OSU was close but no cigar last Thursday as they fell 71-68 to the Penn State Nittany Lions. Ohio State’s defeat came about despite a quality game from forward E.J. Liddell, who had 25 points along with eight rebounds.
Meanwhile, the Ramblers earned some more postseason success in their matchup last week. They snuck past the Drake Bulldogs with a 64-58 victory. Four players on Loyola Chicago scored in the double digits: guard Lucas Williamson (18), forward Aher Uguak (16), forward Ryan Schwieger (13), and guard Braden Norris (10).
Two offensive stats to keep in the back of your head while watching: OSU enters the contest with a 47.40% field goal percentage, good for 32nd best in college basketball. But Loyola Chicago is even better: they come into the game boasting the 16th highest field goal percentage in college basketball at 48.30%. This one is shaping up to be an exciting offensive shootout.
How To Watch
- When: Friday at 12:15 p.m. ET
- Where: PPG Paints Arena — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- TV: CBS
- Online streaming: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
- Follow: CBS Sports App
Series History
This is the first time these teams have played each other within the last seven years.
