Since getting the job, Ohio State men's basketball coach Jake Diebler has been trying to bring some of Ohio's top college basketball teams under the same roof.
October 7 will mark a success – in concept, at least. For the first time, Ohio State, Cincinnati, Dayton and Xavier's men's basketball programs will all play on the same court as part of a public exhibition event.
There just won't be a roof. The Buckeyes and Bearcats will tip off an outdoor doubleheader with a 3 p.m. exhibition at the Lindner Family Tennis Center.
“I love the fact that these four teams are together, not technically under the same roof but in the same facility,” Diebler said. “It’s awesome for the basketball community in Ohio. I’ve been vocal about that since I got the job.
I’m excited we’re able to do it. Hopefully it’s the start of something that grows into something more, but this is a great start.”
Follow all the action with our Dispatch live game blog below.
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Ohio State to be shorthanded
11:30 AM ET, October 7 2026, Adam JardyThe Buckeyes will have 13 of their 15 players available to play against the Bearcats.
Forward Lee Aaliya, a 6-foot-9, 235-pound power forward who just got his full eligibility ruling from the NCAA, will miss the game due to illness. Also, redshirt freshman guard Myles Herro is out.
Otherwise, the Buckeyes have everyone available and are likely to rotate liberally throughout the game.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State plays Cincinnati in outdoor game: Live updates from Mason
