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NCAA Basketball: Matchups we would’ve loved to see in 2020 NCAA Tournament

By Donovan Darlington

JACKSONVILLE, FL - MARCH 20: The NCAA March Madness logo on the floor during the NCAA Basketball First round practice session at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on March 20, 2019 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - MARCH 20: The NCAA March Madness logo on the floor during the NCAA Basketball First round practice session at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on March 20, 2019 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBUS, OHIO – FEBRUARY 15: Kyle Young #25, Luther Muhammad #1 and Kaleb Wesson #34 of the Ohio State Buckeyes (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO – FEBRUARY 15: Kyle Young #25, Luther Muhammad #1 and Kaleb Wesson #34 of the Ohio State Buckeyes (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

Ohio State vs. Akron

Now, here is an in-state matchup that would have certainly picked up positive ratings and lots of viewers. NCAA basketball fans from the state of Ohio have been waiting for one of their schools to have a breakthrough on the national level, and a potential First or Second Round NCAA Tournament game between these two would have provided that opportunity to the victor.

Ohio State played very well in a Big Ten Conference that proved to be the most unpredictable and exciting league in the country. In the same manner, in which they may have lost questionable games, they also showed they could beat the top teams around the league. They finished the season relatively hot before falling to Michigan State, 80-69, in the final regular-season game of the season. Nonetheless, they finished feeling confident that they were the top team from the state of Ohio.

Akron, on the other hand, would have entered such a game with a little brother mentality, despite the fact that they were one of the hottest mid-majors at the conclusion of the season. They are a very well-rounded squad, averaging 76 ppg while only allowing 66 ppg. Their offensive firepower is possible due to the fact that their three leading scorers all average over 13 ppg. That’s right, junior guard Loren Jackson, senior guard Tyler Cheese, and Senior Forward Xeyrius Williams would have given Ohio State just about all it could handle.

Overall, the matchups within this game would have been great to see. The athleticism of Akron’s backcourt would pose problems for the Buckeyes, while the talented Akron forwards would have had to play at a whole new level in order to stop Kaleb and Andre Wesson of Ohio State. This is a big brother vs. little brother matchup that would have kicked off the NCAA tournament with a bang.

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