If Ohio State’s going to make a deep run in the 2021 NCAA Tournament, it’s going to have to start by avoiding a first-round upset against Oral Roberts.
As a No. 2 seed playing a No. 15 seed, Ohio State is a 16.5-point favorite (per BetOnline) for Friday’s game against the Golden Eagles, who earned an automatic bid in the NCAA Tournament by winning the Summit League tournament. The Golden Eagles' ability to score could make them a dangerous first opponent, though, against an Ohio State defense that enters the tournament ranked just 79th in KenPom’s adjusted defensive efficiency.