Big Ten Basketball power rankings: Illinois free falls, Rutgers soars up

4. Ohio State Buckeyes – 10-4 (2-1)

The Buckeyes entered the new year with a road matchup at Northwestern. While road games can be difficult, this team made it a no-contest early on, taking a 35-17 halftime lead. Ohio State cruised on to a 73-57 win, led by 18 points from freshman forward, Brice Sensabaugh. He was one of four in double figures, with Zed Key pulling down 11 boards to go along with 11 points.

Key is second on the team with 13.5 ppg and has been the steady veteran presence that the Buckeyes have needed this season. Against Purdue, they were going to need him to both guard and score on Zach Edey. Unfortunately, Key played just a few minutes in Thursday’s matchup with a shoulder injury and didn’t return.

To Ohio State’s credit, they managed to well play without him, having the chance to win in the final minute. But the shots didn’t go their way, ultimately losing, 71-68. Sensabaugh once again led the way with 21 points, while Justice Sueing had 15. They shot 50% from the field but allowed 16 offensive that the Boilermakers took advantage of.

The hope is that Key isn’t gone for an extended period of time. But at least the schedule isn’t too difficult, with Maryland, Minnesota, Rutgers, and Nebraska up next. But with three of them on the road and potentially without a key player going forward, things can get tricky.