Ohio State basketball schedule 2014: Bucks to host UMass Lowell

Though future seasons could feature the Buckeyes showcased in the new "Gavitt Games" taking on high caliber Big East opponents (including potentially the likes of Xavier), the early part of Ohio State basketball team's 2014-15 won't provide the same pizazz.

Per The Lowell Sun (via the always dialed in Bob Baptist), UMass Lowell will open their season in Columbus taking on the Buckeyes. The Buckeyes opened their 2013-14 slate November 9th against Morgan State, which was a Saturday night, while November 14, 2014 represents a Friday night a week later. It's possible the Buckeyes could yet have an earlier contest (or two, including an exhibition) prior.

Those hoping for a bump in schedule of strength won't get it in the River Hawks. A year prior, in the school's first season in Division 1 after joining the America East, they went 10-18 ranking 325th in KenPom. Fortunately, the Buckeyes have a neutral site game against North Carolina in the CBS Sports Classic, the ACC-Big Ten challenge road trip to Louisville, and a return trip from Marquette to help their cause.