Ohio State Hosts No. 13 Seed Montana State in NCAA First Round: A Closer Look

As the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament kicks off, Ohio State finds itself hosting a first-round matchup against No. 13 seed Montana State. The Buckeyes enter the tournament as a No. 4 seed, having had an impressive season under head coach Chris Holtmann. After navigating a tough Big Ten conference, Ohio State is eager to make a deep run in the tournament. However, standing in their way is a resilient Montana State team that has already proven it can make noise on the national stage.

Ohio State is heavily favored in this matchup, but Montana State has a history of upsets, making this game one that fans and analysts alike will be watching closely. In this article, we will dive into the key factors surrounding this first-round matchup, examining both teams’ strengths, weaknesses, and what to expect when the Buckeyes and Bobcats square off in Columbus, Ohio.

Ohio State’s Strong Season: A No. 4 Seed with High Expectations

Ohio State enters the tournament with a solid record of 25-7 on the season, finishing 3rd in the Big Ten Conference. After a slightly bumpy start to the season, the Buckeyes found their groove as the year progressed, riding a strong defense and balanced offensive attack to a favorable NCAA tournament position.

Under the leadership of Chris Holtmann, Ohio State has become known for its tough, gritty play on both ends of the floor. The Buckeyes boast a top-10 defense that has been stifling throughout the season, allowing them to keep games close and give themselves a chance to win down the stretch. Offensively, the Buckeyes rely on a dynamic scoring attack, led by their star player, Brice Sensabaugh, who has been one of the most efficient and explosive players in the country this season.

Key Players for Ohio State

1. Brice Sensabaugh (Sophomore Guard/Forward)
   Sensabaugh has been Ohio State’s leader throughout the season and is a major reason for their success. Averaging 17.5 points per game, he is a versatile scorer who can get it done from anywhere on the court. Whether it’s slashing to the basket, knocking down mid-range jumpers, or hitting three-pointers, Sensabaugh is an offensive weapon that Montana State will have to game plan for. His ability to score in a variety of ways makes him one of the top players in the entire tournament.
2. Zed Key (Junior Center)
   Key has been Ohio State’s anchor in the paint, both offensively and defensively. Averaging 9.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, Key has been a force on the boards, consistently grabbing crucial rebounds on both ends of the floor. His ability to protect the rim and finish around the basket will be essential in this matchup, as Ohio State will look to dominate the interior against Montana State’s defense.
3. Felix Okpara (Freshman Center)
   As a highly touted freshman, Okpara has provided a boost to Ohio State’s frontcourt, contributing solid minutes and providing a shot-blocking presence. Though not as experienced as Key, Okpara’s athleticism and energy make him an exciting piece in Ohio State’s rotation. His development throughout the season has been crucial in giving the Buckeyes depth in the post, and his ability to step up in big moments will be key in this game.
4. Justice Sueing (Senior Forward)
   Sueing has been a steady contributor for Ohio State throughout his career, and he will need to continue to play a significant role in this game. As a senior, his leadership and experience are invaluable in the high-pressure environment of the tournament. With his ability to score and defend, Sueing will be asked to match up with Montana State’s top players and contribute in a variety of ways.

Ohio State’s Strengths

• Defensive Dominance: Ohio State’s defense has been one of the best in the country, ranking in the top 10 nationally in multiple defensive categories. They are particularly adept at limiting opponents’ three-point shooting and protecting the rim. With their aggressive, team-oriented defense, Ohio State is well-positioned to stifle Montana State’s offense.
• Depth and Versatility: The Buckeyes have a deep and versatile roster, allowing them to mix and match lineups depending on the matchup. Whether it’s going big with Zed Key and Felix Okpara or utilizing smaller, quicker lineups with Brice Sensabaugh and Justice Sueing, Ohio State can adjust to different styles of play. Their depth will be a key factor in this game, as they will look to wear down Montana State with their rotation.
• Scoring Balance: While Sensabaugh is the focal point of Ohio State’s offense, the team has plenty of other scoring options. Justice Sueing, Zed Key, and Roddy Gayle Jr. can all contribute offensively, and the team has shown an ability to score efficiently both inside and on the perimeter.

Montana State: A Resilient 13 Seed with Upset Potential

Montana State enters the tournament as the No. 13 seed, but this is a team that has already proven it can compete at a high level. The Bobcats finished the season with an impressive 24-8 record, securing the Big Sky Conference title and earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Montana State’s program has built a reputation for being gritty and tough, and they come into this tournament with nothing to lose.

Led by Danny Sprinkle, Montana State has an experienced and battle-tested roster that will be looking to prove that they belong on the national stage. Although they are heavy underdogs in this matchup, Montana State has had a few notable upsets in recent years, including a win over a top-25 opponent earlier this season.

Key Players for Montana State

1. Darius Brown II (Senior Guard)
   Brown is Montana State’s leading scorer and playmaker, averaging 15.3 points per game while also contributing 4.5 assists per game. He has been the engine of the Bobcats’ offense all season long and will need to step up in a big way in this matchup. Brown’s ability to drive to the basket, create his own shot, and distribute the