University of Evansville men's basketball will face its toughest nonconference opponent yet with a trip to Ohio State on Tuesday night.

The Buckeyes (2-1) began the season with victories over Texas and Youngstown State before losing at No. 22 Texas A&M last Friday. Bruce Thornton (15.7), John Mobley Jr. (14.3) and Micah Parrish (10.3) each average in double figures for coach Jake Diebler. Ohio State was ranked in both national polls before the loss and is rated 26th nationally per KenPom.

Ohio State is 4-0 all-time against Evansville. This is the first meeting since 1976.

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UE (1-3) is coming off losses to Middle Tennessee State and Radford last week. The Aces surrendered a 22-point lead in the latter on Saturday despite tying the program's single-game record of 17 made 3-pointers. Gabriel Pozzato (19.3), Cam Haffner (14.8) and Tayshawn Comer (11.3) are double-figure scorers for coach David Ragland.

"They're deep. They have a really talented group. One of the best recruiting classes in the country. They bring in talent and sub in talent. They keep going at you. Defensively, we'll be stressed again. We have to be locked into the game plan."