Ohio State beats Louisville in "secret" scrimmage. Here's what we know:

During Chris Holtmann’s first season at Ohio State, the Buckeyes took a team not expected to do much and beat Xavier in a closed-door, “secret” preseason scrimmage. It sent a tone that the 2017-18 Buckeyes might be more capable than the 12th-place finish they were projected to produce in the Big Ten standings.

Now entering year three under Holtmann, the Buckeyes again squared off with Chris Mack – albeit at Louisville now – in the one allowable such scrimmage for the 2019-20 preseason. And again, Ohio State prevailed Sunday, this time by an 80-69 score.

By NCAA rules, neither team can publicize the scrimmage, and no one is allowed to watch it save for team personnel. Official statistics are not published by either team, but the Dispatch has been able to confirm a Stadium.com report of the final score and a few other details from the game.

Neither team was at full strength. Louisville was missing an unidentified post player and a guard, both considered to be starters for this year’s team. Ohio State sophomore Justin Ahrens did not play as he continues to recover from a back injury suffered during the summer, and the Buckeyes then lost freshman guard D.J. Carton to an ankle sprain during the first half that kept him out for the remainder of the game.

Carton’s immediate prognosis is unknown.

Ohio State’s starting lineup consisted of Florida State transfer CJ Walker, sophomore Luther Muhammad, senior Andre Wesson, junior Kyle Young and junior Kaleb Wesson.

Kaleb Wesson was Ohio State’s leading scorer, going for 20 points and five rebounds in his first game against Division I competition since trimming down during the offseason and losing about 30 pounds. His brother, Andre, added 12 points and six rebounds.

The Buckeyes will close the preseason with a public exhibition game against Cedarville on October 30.

ajardy@dispatch.com

@AdamJardy