I'm going with Ohio State here in this spot. It's the battle of two 22 win teams returning the majority of their starters. Ohio State returns all 5, while Cal returns 4. I'm going with the team out of the much stronger conference, and the team who looked better the other night at MSG.
Cal looked miserable against a Syracuse team that lost to a D-II squad Lemoyne in the preseason. Not very impressive if you ask me. Syrcause shot 57.1 % from the field and won by 22 despite shooting just 14-24 fromt he FT line. Cal had it's issues on offense shooting 40% from the field and should have more issues against Ohio State.
Ohio State lost by 4 as 2 point dogs, but had a better second half they shot 42% for the game and out rebounded UNC 32-30 and forced 19 TO's. Cal had 15 turnovers against Syracuse the turnovers should be a huge impact on the game Friday night as I expect it to decide this game. Cal also gave up 39.1% from beyond the perimter a good sign for Ohio State who shot just 6-21 from beyond the arch.
The big difference to me is the Big Ten vs. Pac-10. I just rate the Big Ten as the #2 conference behind Big East and even with the ACC. Whenever Cal has had to come east and play one of these teams it has not been pretty. Syracuse is an example already, and Missouri last year 66-93 loss, and the year before it was a big loss to Ohio State as well. Ohio State has a big advantage playing the NIT tournament on this court and should have the advantage behind Evan Turner who shot 9-14 form the field last night.
