Long Beach State vs. Ohio State: Game time, TV schedule, and preview

The No. 7-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes rebounded well from their first defeat of the season, a 73-68 loss to Duke, by thrashing Northern Kentucky 70-43 Dec. 1.

They're likely to continue that trend, as they host Long Beach State in the second of an eight-game home stand at noon ET Saturday.

LaQuinton Ross scored 22 points on 8-of-12 shooting in the win over NKU, taking some pressure off preseason All-America candidate Deshaun Thomas.

The Buckeyes shot less than 40 percent in their last two games, and are looking to establish more of an all-around offensive threat to compliment Thomas -- a second team All Big 10 selection in 2011-12.

It's the second consecutive game against a top 10 team for the 49ers. They lost to Syracuse, 84-53, on Dec. 6.

Aaron Craft, Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year in 2011-12, is leading an Ohio State team holding opponents to 28.9 percent shooting at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio.

Tipoff is scheduled for noon ET, and the game will be televised on the Big 10 Network.