in NCAA B Articles

Ohio State (32-3) has rattled off 19 straight wins and hasn’t lost since early January. As well, the Buckeyes have covered the number in five of their last six games. Most of the Buckeyes' success can be attributed to center Greg Oden.

Along with Oden’s shot-blocking presence in the key, the seven-footer has also developed his offensive touch around the hoop. Surrounding the big guy is a slew of sharp shooters that can afford to take chances on defense, knowing that Oden is there to protect the hoop.

The Volunteers faced Ohio State in Oden's 10th game of the season, back in January, when Oden was adjusting to the college game and still wearing a brace on the surgically repaired right wrist that delayed the start of his college career.

Those things were supposed to be holding him down. Instead, he had his first monster game: 24 points, 15 rebounds, perfect from the foul line (6-for-6), four assists, three blocks and a steal in 36 minutes.

Yet the Buckeyes, playing at home, still needed what was then a career-high in points from freshman point guard Mike Conley, and a 3-pointer from Ron Lewis with 11.2 seconds left, to beat the Volunteers 68-66.

Ohio State hasn't lost since, a run of 19 in a row it takes into a semifinal against Tennessee (24-10) in the NCAA tournament's South Regional.

Ohio State can get it done on both ends of the floor, ranking in the Top 60 in offense and defense. But taking the cash in this one may be difficult, considering the Buckeyes are 0-4 ATS (against the spread) in their last four games vs. Southeastern opponents.

As well, the Buckeyes are 1-5 ATS in their last six NCAA Tournament games.

The Buckeyes, who finished No. 1 in the final polls, advanced to the round of 16 for the first time since they went to the Final Four in 1999 -- an appearance later vacated because of NCAA probation.

Aside from leading the SEC in scoring with 76.2 points per game - most of which came from behind the arc - the Volunteers averaged an SEC-high 9.06 steals per game.

However, being aggressive on the defensive end is a weakness for the Volunteers. Rebounding has especially been a problem. Tennessee gave up an SEC-worst 604 defensive rebounds during conference play. No doubt the second-chance points contributed into the 75.2 points per game the Volunteers allowed.

For Tennessee, it's the first time reaching the Sweet Sixteen since 2000. The Volunteers have never advanced to the regional final. Last year, Tennessee won in the first round but lost to Wichita State in the second round, failing to capitalize on a No. 2 seed.

The Vols have historically struggled in the NCAA tournament. In 15 appearances, this is only the second time they have won two games in a row. The Vols' previous trip to the regional semifinals was in 1981 when they had a first-round bye in the field of 48.

The Volunteers are 1-4-1 ATS in their last six NCAA Tournament games, and they are 2-9-1 ATS in their last 12 neutral site games.

No. 5 Tennessee Volunteers vs. No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes
Thursday, March 22 --- Alamodome, San Antonio, TX --- 9:55pm EST
Ohio State -4½ (145)

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