Ohio State basketball vs. Illinois State: 3 keys to a Buckeye victory

Ohio State takes on Illinois State today and needs to get out to a good start to the season. Here are three keys to a Buckeye victory.

Ohio State needs a quick start

Nothing spells upset more than letting an inferior team hang around. The best way to keep that from happening is to jump all over Illinois State from the get-go. That means playing solid defense, getting good looks, and working hard on the boards.

Effort and athleticism should spell an easy victory in this one, so if Ohio State can play with emotion and purpose early on, all while not trying to make the spectacular play, it can step on the neck of the Redbirds early and get the psychological advantage that the inevitable is about to happen.

Next … Take care of the basketball