College football is in full swing. And as the weather changes, the intensity of Buckeye football fandom will persist. However, college basketball is right around the corner. On Wednesday, we get a fun appetizer when Ohio State and Cincinnati tangle in exhibition competition.
The Buckeyes and Bearcats have faced off on the hardwood just seven times. Cincinnati’s only wins in the series came back in 1920 and 1921. Ohio State has won each of the five previous meetings, from a 72-50 victory in 2006 to an 81-53 thrashing at the Maui Invitational in 2022.
Wednesday afternoon’s meeting doesn’t count toward official standings, but nobody will deny that bragging rights are on the line. Here are three things to watch for during the Buckeyes-Bearcats contest:
1. How do Justin Pippen and John Mobley Jr. fit in the backcourt?
Mobley, a third-year Buckeye, can score at every level. He’s set to lead the charge offensively for Jake Diebler. However, as most of Bruce Thornton’s career showed, Ohio State won’t get anywhere with a one-man show.
Pippen, a Cal transfer, will get the first crack at the point guard spot. The junior relied more on volume than efficiency (37.2% FG) to score for the Golden Bears, but was effective as a distributor (4.6 assists per game) and defender (1.9 steals per game).
The two players are a logical fit on paper, but what you believe doesn’t always turn out as you intend. Memphis transfer Curtis Givens III stands as the likely benefactor if Pippen and Mobley don’t mesh immediately.
2. What does Anthony Thompson look like in his collegiate debut?
Thompson, a Lebanon native, is the fourth-highest rated recruit in program history. He has considerable hype and, for better or worse, minimal competition for minutes. The Buckeyes will need him to play to his prospect ranking to get where they want to go in 2026-27.
A matchup with the Bearcats, who boast a lot of upper classmen, will give Thompson a nice acclimation to the college game, in both speed and physicality.
3. How does Jake Diebler experiment with his roster?
Exhibitions break up the monotony of practicing against yourself. They help reinvigorate your players as they prepare for the season. They also provide an opportunity to try things that may be otherwise unconventional.
Beyond bragging rights, this game is inconsequential. If you want to test a three-guard lineup, a two-big lineup, a specific zone defense or anything in between, this is the time to do it. Those effective wrinkles Diebler discovers now could aid victories in non-conference play.
Ohio State and Cincinnati tip at 3:00 p.m. E.T. on Wednesday afternoon. There is no TV livestream for the game, but radio broadcasts are available.