The Western Michigan Broncos and the Ohio State Buckeyes meet Sunday in college basketball action from Value City Arena. Western Michigan is 0-3 so far this year. The Broncos fell to Northwestern in their last game on Tuesday. As for Ohio State, they’re sitting at 2-1 on the season following a win over Merrimack. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.

Western Michigan Broncos 

The Broncos have three straight losses in the books this season, however they’ve been competitive in every game. Western Michigan lost 80-76 to North Dakota State in their opener despite shooting 12-of-29 (41.4 percent) from 3-point range. Game two was another close loss 77-70 to Georgia State. The Broncos shot 38.9 percent from 3-point range in that one. 

In their matchup versus Northwestern on Tuesday, the Broncos posted just 28 points in the first half and couldn’t bridge the gap in the second during a 63-59 loss. The only team player in double-figures was Seth Hubbard with 17 points and seven boards. Ja’Vaughn Hannah added nine points and four rebounds off the bench. 

Ohio State Buckeyes 

Over on the Buckeyes’ side, they had a little trouble with Oakland in their opener, falling behind at the break in a 79-73 win. The Buckeyes posted a 42-30 rebounding advantage in that one to aid their cause. Ohio State took their first loss of the year in game two against a tough Texas A&M Team 73-66. The Buckeyes faced a 46-35 rebounding deficit in the defeat. 

Ohio State got back in the win column on Wednesday versus Merrimack in a pretty routine game. The Buckeyes expanded their 35-29 halftime lead with 41 more points in a 76-52 blowout. Roddy Gayle led the way on 20 points with five rebounds. Zed Key added 11 points with 12 rebounds for a double-double. 

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’m going to stay with the Buckeyes. Ohio State had a pretty well-rounded game versus an overmatched Merrimack team in their last outing. The Buckeyes shot 44.1 percent from the field and went 8-of-14 (57.1 percent) from 3-point range in that one while out-rebounding the Warriors 45-27. Ohio State should be in firm control of this matchup as well—so long as they don’t look past it to the upcoming Alabama matchup on Friday. 

As for Western Michigan, they weren’t great from 3-point range (32 percent) or the line (58.3 percent) in their latest loss, despite edging Northwestern 43-21 on rebounds. The Broncos have the potential to follow along in this one if they can get some offensive boards early and cut down on the turnovers, but I don’t think they’ll cover in the end.