Ohio State makes final decision on guard for Saturday's Big Ten showdown

Chris Holtmann has revealed the status of guard Meechie Johnson for Saturday’s showdown against Iowa. According to the Buckeyes coach Chris Holtmann, Ohio State will have Johnson for their game against the Hawkeyes.

“Ohio State’s Meechie Johnson (undisclosed) is available for today’s game against Iowa, per Chris Holtmann,” wrote CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein. “Averages 6 PPG.”

Moreover, Johnson suffered an ankle injury in the Buckeyes’ last-minute loss at Rutgers two weeks ago. Midway through the second half, the young guard appeared to roll his ankle. Afterwards, Johnson did not return to action, and missed time since then. Additionally, the Buckeyes guard is averaging six points per game in 17 contests, and has become one of the primary ball-handlers on a team that lacks point-guard play outside of starter Jamari Wheeler.

Over the last two games, Eugene Brown III has started in place of Johnson for the last two games. Without Johnson in the lineup, Ohio State still found ways to win — defeating Michigan and Minnesota in the showdowns without him.

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Furthermore, it looks like Meechie Johnson will be on the court when Ohio State welcomes Iowa to Columbus. The Buckeyes will face the Hawkeyes on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. EST — a game that can be seen on FOX.

For the Buckeyes, it’ll be paramount to stop Hawkeyes star forward Keegan Murray. On the season, Murray is averaging 23.3 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. It’ll be up to Ohio State’s star to match him, as Buckeyes forward E.J. Liddell is averaging 19.9 points and 7.6 rebounds per game himself.

Iowa was finding their squad, but a loss to Michigan on Thursday quelled momentum. Now, the Hawkeyes will be looking to start a new streak against Ohio State. With Meechie Johnson returning to the lineup, the Buckeyes will do everything they can do ensure they don’t.