Ohio State vs. Kentucky Predictions: Can the Wildcats Slow Down the Buckeyes?

The NCAA Tournament has provided plenty of excitement and surprises just one week into tourney. Upsets have been plentiful, as well as down-to-the-wire finishes.

This game features two of the more versatile, athletic teams in the nation. Both boast select talent at each position in a game that features talent in both backcourts and frontcourts.

The Ohio State Buckeyes have been on a clinic in the tournament, coming off a 32-point beat down of the George Mason Patriots. The effort included four double-digit scoring performances, a 61 percent shooting night and 16 three-pointers made for the Buckeyes.

The Kentucky Wildcats, on the other hand, had the tougher draw thus far, playing an aggressive, lengthy team in West Virginia and a offensive fire-powered squad in Princeton.

What makes Kentucky so lethal is their ability to score points quickly and make game-changing plays on the defensive end. Their length and shot-blocking ability could prove to be the x-factor in the matchup.

In their last outing, Brandon Knight was able to finally catch steam, going off for 30 points, four assists and three rebounds in the victory. If Knight can push the tempo against a more physical Ohio State team, the Wildcats might just be able to break the momentum of the Buckeyes, who seem to be hitting on all cylinders.

The Buckeyes are yet to win by less than 29, which says a lot about their run thus far. They have shot just over 55 percent and 61 percent in their first two games, while managing to hit a whopping 28 threes.

The key for the Wildcats will be to push the pace against the Buckeyes, who are as effective as any team in the country in a half-court set. Their offense works through Jared Sullinger, in that if he doesn't find a good look, Diebler, Lighty and Buford, who have been red hot all season, will. The best three-point shooter in the nation in Diebler, and size inside with Sullinger, will continue to give teams problems if there isn't a concentration on one.

The problem for teams is that there is an indecisiveness in whether to try and take away the three-point ball and allow Sullinger to go one-on-one, or double Sullinger in hopes of the three-pointers not going in.

If Calipari and the Wildcats look to seize the spotlight and move on to the Elite Eight, the key will be on heavily contesting the three-point looks and pushing the pace with Knight whenever possible. If they can do that, life will be tough for the Buckeyes.

When it's all set and done, look for the Buckeyes to come out on top and win in a close one. Make no mistake, these Wildcats have a chance, but they will need to play at their own pace in order to do so.

Prediction: Ohio State Buckeyes