Ohio State has looked dominant in winning its first four games, but they haven't come against the toughest competition.
At least one more tune-up appears to be in store for the Buckeyes before their first true challenge.
No. 16 Ohio State hosts James Madison on Friday seeking its fourth 5-0 start in five seasons.
The Buckeyes have rolled through their competition thus far, winning by an average of 33.3 points and shooting a Division I-leading 60.8 percent.
However, three of their victories have come against mid-majors with a combined 6-8 record and no victories against a winning team. Their most impressive win was a 74-63 victory over Marquette on Nov. 18, though the Golden Eagles have since lost to Omaha and narrowly defeated NJIT.
James Madison (4-1) has won four in a row since a 79-51 loss at then-No. 9 Virginia. Its four victories have come against teams that are a combined 6-14, though, and the Dukes are 2-12 in their last 14 non-conference regular-season road games.
Ohio State likely won't be tested until Tuesday night's matchup with No. 6 Louisville (5-0) in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.
"It's definitely a learning process no matter who we're playing," said D'Angelo Russell, who is averaging a team-high 19.0 points on 56.6 percent shooting, including 52.2 percent (12 for 23) from 3-point range. "We're not worrying about our opponent as much as we're worrying about our team to be the best we can."
Russell scored a game-high 22 in Wednesday's 91-64 win over Campbell and was complemented by four other Buckeyes scoring at least 10 points. Ohio State's 60.7 field-goal percentage marked its first season with at least three 60.0 percent-or-better shooting performances since 2011-12.
Four players are averaging at least 9.8 points after three did in 2013-14.
"I just hope that we can stay with that," coach Thad Matta said. "I've always said this: The best teams I've ever coached had great balance."
Ohio State was 8 of 20 from 3-point range and is 35 for 80 (43.8 percent) in four games after finishing 267th nationally last season at 32.4 percent.
"I've been pleasantly surprised," Matta said. "I'm not sure how much longer we can shoot at this clip, but I think guys are taking more pride in their shots and seeing the ball go through the basket."
The Buckeyes have clamped down defensively, holding their last two opponents to 30.8 percent shooting after their first two shot 44.3 percent.
James Madison, which didn't claim its fourth win last season until Dec. 21, comes off a 79-72 victory over Sacred Heart on Wednesday.
Paulius Satkus recorded career highs of 21 points and eight rebounds after entering the game with 24 points and 16 rebounds on the season.
These schools split two previous meetings, with Ohio State winning 72-44 at home on Nov. 12, 2009.
