Non-conference Schedule

The 2016-17 non-conference schedule for Ohio State Basketball was released on Tuesday.

The Ohio State Basketball squad has the entire starting lineup returning from the 2015-16 season. Last year's disappointing performance culminated in an NIT invite. This year's team will have the opportunity to avenge 2 of their losses in non-conference suffered last season.

Ohio State's non-conference schedule has some of the same teams from last year. For the second year in a row, the Bucks face Virginia from the Big Ten/ACC challenge. They travel to play the Cavaliers on the 30Th of November. Additionally, they host Connecticut on Dec. 10Th, which is the second game of a home-and-home contest against the UConn Huskies.

Last year, the Buckeyes were defeated 68-64 by Virginia at home on Dec. 1st. It was the 4Th straight defeat Matta's team. This year, Ohio State has most of its team back from that loss, while Virginia's star, Malcolm Brogdon, has moved on to the next level.

Ohio State also has a home game against Connecticut; the team that last year defeated the Bucks by 20 when they played in Conn.

Another key match-up occurs against UCLA in Las Vegas, in the 3rd year of the CBS-Sports Classic.

Coach Matta believes that the return of so many core players from last season will add the needed experience and maturity for his team to compete throughout their Big Ten Schedule. Early games with Providence, Virginia, Connecticut and UCLA should prepare them for Big Ten competition.