Illinois set to be without multiple reserves for Ohio State matchup

When Illinois and Ohio State face off in a major Big Ten showdown, the Fighting Illini are going to be shorthanded. Brad Underwood confirmed multiple reserve players will miss the matchup.

Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk and RJ Melendez are both out due to injuries, Underwood told reporters Wednesday. Bosmans-Verdonk entered concussion protocol and Melendez had emergency surgery for appendicitis, according to Illini Inquirer’s Jeremy Werner.

Bosmans-Verdonk has played in 22 games this year and averages 1.8 points per game and shoots 47.2% from the field in 8.4 minutes per game for Illinois. Melendez, meanwhile, averages 8.2 points and 1.8 rebounds in 8.2 minutes over 19 games this season.

Illinois has dealt with plenty of injuries this season. Andre Curbelo missed 14 games with a concussion, and Kofi Cockburn also had a concussion earlier in the conference season. Still, the Fighting Illini find themselves a half game behind first-place Purdue and Wisconsin heading into Thursday’s matchup with Ohio State.

The Buckeyes currently sit 1.5 games behind Illinois in the standings. That’s why Thursday’s game is such a big one. Ohio State is still in the race to the top of the Big Ten, which saw a three-way tie between Illinois, Purdue and Wisconsin for first place earlier this month.

In fact, the top eight teams are separated by just 3.5 games — including a three-way tie for sixth place between Michigan State, Michigan and Iowa. There’s still plenty to sort out before the Big Ten tournament, which is coming up March 9-13 in Indianapolis.

KenPom predicts outcome of next five Ohio State games ahead of key stretch

The Buckeyes have five games left on the schedule, including one against Illinois, which is in third place. KenPom predicts the league race will stay hotly contested, including three teams tying for sixth place at 11-9. That means the No. 8 seed in the Big Ten tournament could be a .500 program.

But before we get to the league tournament, here’s what KenPom predicts for Ohio State in its final games.

What KenPom predicts for the Buckeyes’ last five games

Feb. 24 at Illinois

Predicted winner: Illinois

Predicted final score: Illinois 74, Ohio State 69

Ohio State chance of victory: 34%

Feb. 27 at Maryland

Predicted winner: Ohio State

Predicted final score: Ohio State 73, Maryland 70

Ohio State chance of victory: 61%

March 1 vs. Nebraska

Predicted winner: Ohio State

Predicted final score: Ohio State 84, Nebraska 67

Ohio State chance of victory: 94%

March 3 vs. Michigan State

Predicted winner: Ohio State

Predicted final score: Ohio State 75, Michigan State 70

Ohio State chance of victory: 67%

March 5 vs. Michigan

Predicted winner: Ohio State

Predicted final score: Ohio State 74, Michigan 69

Ohio State chance of victory: 68%