Ohio State vs. Iona: Game Time, TV Schedule, Spread Info and Predictions

Ohio State, the No. 2 seed in the West region and a contender for the national championship, begins its 2013 NCAA tournament journey with a game against No. 15 seed Iona.

It's the Gaels' first game against a ranked opponent all season.

The round of 64 matchup between these two seeds is getting a lot more attention this year because two No. 15 seeds pulled off massive upsets in 2012. So teams like the Buckeyes, which would normally be considered an absolute lock, are on high alert.

Ohio State enters the tournament with no shortage of momentum. It won the Big Ten tourney with a victory over Wisconsin in the final, making the team's fourth win over a ranked opponent during its current eight-game winning streak.

Iona sports a five-game winning streak of its own, but it was immediately preceded by a span that included six losses in seven games to unranked opponents. It doesn't bode well for the Gaels' chances of keeping pace with the Buckeyes.

Here's a video preview of the matchup, followed by the key viewing information, players to watch and much more as Ohio State and Iona battle for a spot in the round of 32.

Game Information

Where: University of Dayton Arena in Dayton, Ohio

When: Friday, March 22, at 7:15 p.m. ET

Watch: CBS

Live Stream: March Madness Live

Betting Line: Ohio State -13.5 (via Vegas Insider)

Injury Report (via USA Today)

Ohio State: Sam Thompson (probable, ankle)

Iona: A.J. English (out, wrist)

What's At Stake?

It's officially survive-and-advance time for Ohio State. The Big Ten postseason champs feature enough talent, depth and experience to reach the Final Four in Atlanta.

The Buckeyes can't afford to overlook any opponents, however, including Iona.

They don't want to join the short list of No. 2 seeds to get eliminated in the first round. Although it's a game they should definitely win, the Gaels' ability to push the pace and knock down jumpers (second in the nation in points per game) keep it from being a lock.

As for Iona, a victory would not only help it go down in tournament history, but the team would also assume the No. 2 seed's draw. So there would be an opportunity for it to become more than a one-game miracle. But the Gaels are an underdog for a reason, of course.

The winner of the game will face the team that triumphs from the Notre Dame vs. Iowa State matchup in a West region round of 32 game.

Players to Watch

Ohio State: Deshaun Thomas

Thomas averages nearly 10 points per game more than any other Ohio State player. The junior forward has steadily improved during his three seasons with the Buckeyes, developing into one of the nation's most versatile scorers. He has the ability to attack the rim or knock down outside jumpers.

The most impressive thing about him is his consistency. He's appeared in all 33 games this season and has reached a double-digit point total every time. No off nights, no subpar performances. He brings it every single time he steps on the floor.

Since Iona will attempt to force Ohio State to play at its pace, it's crucial that Thomas finds a comfort zone early. The Gaels' defense is weak, so there opportunity will be there for him to put up some huge numbers if he gets hot in the first half.

Iona: David Laury

Laury is averaging a double-double at 13 points and 10 rebounds per game. He's the only player on either side grabbing more than seven boards per contest, and Iona will need him to hit the offensive glass hard to produce some second-chance points.

The good news for Iona is Ohio State isn't a typical power-conference school. The Buckeyes don't feature multiple seven-foot centers or forwards to give them a major advantage in the post. It gives Laury a chance to establish himself down low.

Iona's sophomore forward is also one of the team's few reliable defenders. He's averaging a shade under two blocks and over a steal per game. All told, there's no doubt Laury will need a terrific all-around game to keep the Gaels within striking distance.

Key Matchup: Aaron Craft vs. Lamont Jones

By now, Craft's role with the Buckeyes is established. He's a secondary scorer and the primary ball-handler, but his main job is locking down the opponent's leading perimeter scorer. In Iona's case that's Jones, a senior guard.

He ranks third in the country in scoring at 23 points per game while shooting 44 percent from the floor. Craft will have his hands full as Jones can score from anywhere, whether it's working into the paint or step out beyond the arc.

The only way the Gaels have a realistic shot of pulling off the upset is if Jones dominates this matchup. If he can figure out a way to put up 30 without being a volume scorer while keeping Craft from matching him at the other end, Iona has a true chance.

Prediction

Ultimately, facing the Buckeyes after playing 33 games against lower-level competition is tough task for the Gaels. They must do whatever they can to keep pushing the pace and make it as wide open of a game as possible.

It's unlikely to be enough, though.

Ohio State is the more talented team and are going to take the game seriously with the knowledge of last year's upsets by No. 15 seeds. Expect the Buckeyes to pull away in the second half en route to the next round.

Ohio State 82, Iona 66

Don't forget to print out your bracket and follow along with the live bracket as the tourney rolls on. Make your picks for the 2013 NCAA Tournament here with the Bracket Challenge Game.