Overview
- Tipoff is scheduled for approximately 11:30–11:31 a.m. ET on ESPN2 with Roy Philpott and Nell Fortner, with streaming options on YouTube TV and Paramount+.
- Sophomore guard Jaloni Cambridge enters as Ohio State's focal scorer at 22.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game, ranking among the nation's top scorers and leading the Big Ten in total points.
- Ohio State forces about 21.4 turnovers per game and averages 24.4 points off them, while Howard averages 15 turnovers and 18.2 points off opponent miscues.
- Howard’s path to a surprise rests largely with MEAC Player of the Year Zennia Thomas, who averages 15.2 points and eight rebounds and must stay efficient and out of foul trouble.
- As a top-16 seed, Ohio State hosts the first round for the fourth straight season under Kevin McGuff, whose teams have not lost an NCAA opener during his tenure.