Why I can't wait to see it: To start with, the storylines. Ohio State is looking to get back to the Final Four after losing Jared Sullinger and William Buford off last year's Final Four group. On the other side, Wichita State is looking to reach the Final Four for the first time since 1965 ? while the last No. 9 seed to make the national semifinals was Pennsylvania in 1979. Incidentally, that was the first year they seeded the field, and Penn was the only 9-seed to ever reach the Final Four.
Now, for the actual matchup. Ohio State is hitting on all cylinders right now, winning 11 in a row and playing its best basketball of the season. The Buckeyes have been locking down on the defensive end of the floor, with Aaron Craft and Shannon Scott forcing issues on the ball and taking teams out of their normal offense.
Wichita State is getting healthy at the right time, and everything is clicking. Ron Baker has been a spark since returning from a left foot injury, and everyone else is stepping up. The Shockers are knocking down shots and using their physical style to disrupt teams.
The battle on the boards could be a factor in this one. Wichita State is one of the best rebounding teams in the country, and Ohio State has been more effective when it goes to a smaller lineup with Deshaun Thomas and LaQuinton Ross in the frontcourt. Can the Buckeyes keep the Shockers off the glass?
Also, Wichita State has to defend the perimeter. Ohio State has been spreading teams out and taking advantage of matchup problems with Thomas and Ross, while Sam Thompson and Lenzelle Smith are getting open looks as a result. Throw in Craft's ability to create shots for himself and teammates, and Wichita State could be in trouble.
Ignore the difference in seed and conference affiliation ? this one is going to be a grind-it-out contest that goes down to the wire.
