NCAA Basketball: Overall takeaways from 2020 ACC/Big Ten Challenge

Ohio State Buckeyes – Team full of unsung heroes

The Buckeyes are ranked in the top-25 and due to how great the top of the Big Ten is right now, they’re completely flying under the radar. Few probably even know that EJ Lidell’s is their current leading scorer, going for a team-high 19 points and 12 rebounds to beat Notre Dame.

What Ohio State lacks in star power on paper, they make up for with consistent production among the starting lineup. CJ Walker, Duane Washington, and Cal transfer Justice Sueing each is averaging over 12.5 ppg, while upperclassmen Justin Ahrens and big man Kyle Young are great “glue guys” to have. And this doesn’t even include former Ivy League Player of the Year Seth Towns, still not cleared to play. Adding him will give even more depth to this talented roster.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish – Lack of depth a major concern

The Irish had this one, maintaining a double-digit lead for a good portion of the game. But allowing 56 second-half points was their undoing, despite having 26 points from Prentiss Hubb and forward Nate Laszewski having his best college game with 17 points and nine rebounds. Only seven players played for Notre Dame, including four starters going for at least 37 minutes.

That may have played a role in their defense suffering towards the end of the game. And this lineup isn’t good enough to play and produce for 37+ minutes and win many games in the ACC. No team may be in more need of a waiver than Notre Dame needing Santa Clara transfer guard Trey Wertz. They may have to wait a week if the NCAA changes its rules but for now, the options are limited for them on the roster.