Ohio State puts its perfect conference record on the line against Penn State. Can the Nittany Lions come away with the quality road upset?
TV Schedule: Thursday, January 25, 8:00 p.m. ET, BTN
Location: Value City Arena, Columbus, Ohio
It appears that the only thing that could stop the Buckeyes right now is themselves. They have won all nine of their conference games, including wins over teams like Michigan and Michigan State, and currently have an 8-game winning streak. Dan Dakich doesn’t sound as crazy now with his bold preseason Final Four prediction, as the Buckeyes were featured in his Final Four.
This success in the Big Ten, along with their overall 18-4 record, have led them to come in this week’s AP top-25 poll at No. 13. The Buckeyes, who are coming of a 64-59 home win over Nebraska, are looking very impressive right now.
Penn State, on the other hand, remain in the middle of the pack in the Big Ten. This would be a huge win for them if they want to keep their NCAA tournament hopes alive (although reaching the dance is unlikely for the Nittany Lions).
The Nittany Lions are currently 13-8 and 3-5 in the Big Ten. Although they are not out of things yet, their schedule is very tough down the stretch. They still must play Ohio State twice, Michigan State, Purdue, and Michigan for the remainder of their regular season.
PSU is coming off of two losses to other middle of the pack teams, as they dropped a 95-84 overtime decision at home against Minnesota and a 70-61 road loss at Northwestern, who have been one of the biggest disappointments in the conference so far this year.
Next: Can Ohio State win the Big Ten?
The key in this game will be how the young guards and forwards will matchup with Big Ten Player of the Year favorite Keita Bates-Diop (19.7 ppg, 8.8 rpg). Bates-Diop is a major reason as to why the Buckeyes have found so much success this season. It is expected, however, that the Buckeyes will take care of business in Columbus in this one.
Prediction: Ohio State 75, Penn State 68