Before Super Bowl Sunday takes center stage, the Ohio State Buckeyes travel to Lincoln for a crucial Big Ten matchup against the Nebraska Cornhuskers. With both teams gaining momentum in recent weeks, this game could have significant NCAA Tournament implications. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect, the key players to watch, and a prediction for the outcome.
Buckeyes’ Recent Form
Ohio State enters this game on a high note after a thrilling 73-70 comeback victory over Maryland on Thursday night. Bruce Thornton was the star of the show, recording his third 30-point game of the season with 31 points, six assists, five rebounds, and three steals. Thornton dominated the second half, scoring 21 of his 31 points, including a clutch performance in the final minutes to seal the win.
Micah Parrish was the only other Buckeye in double figures, contributing 13 points. Devin Royal made a significant impact on the boards, pulling down 11 rebounds, marking his fourth double-digit rebounding game of the season. The Buckeyes had to navigate the absence of Aaron Bradshaw while Sean Stewart battled foul trouble, which forced adjustments in the frontcourt.
Freshman guard John Mobley Jr. has struggled with efficiency, shooting 6-of-21 against Illinois and 3-of-12 against Maryland. With limited guard depth, Mobley has been playing heavy minutes, and his shooting will be a key factor in today’s game.
Nebraska’s Recent Form
Nebraska enters the matchup riding a three-game winning streak, most recently overcoming Washington 87-80 in Seattle. The Cornhuskers started slow, trailing by 10 at halftime before storming back with a 15-2 second-half run.
Brice Williams has been Nebraska’s standout performer, averaging 26 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists over the last three games. He dropped 23 points against Washington and is the engine of the Cornhuskers’ offense. Alongside him, Juwan Gary (12.9 PPG, 5.0 RPG) has been a reliable scoring option, recently surpassing 1,000 career points.
Connor Essegian has provided valuable scoring off the bench, averaging 11.3 PPG despite starting in only five games. Meanwhile, Nebraska’s frontcourt duo of Andrew Morgan and Berke Buyuktuncel will be tasked with controlling the paint against Ohio State’s Devin Royal.
Key Matchups & Factors to Watch
• Bruce Thornton vs. Brice Williams– Both teams rely heavily on their star guards, and whichever player has the bigger impact could determine the outcome.
• Ohio State’s Depth vs. Nebraska’s Home-Court Advantage– The Cornhuskers are 9-2 at home this season, and Ohio State’s depth has been tested due to injuries and off-court issues.
• Rebounding Battle– Nebraska must try to get Devin Royal into foul trouble early to force Ohio State into a weaker frontcourt rotation. If the Cornhuskers dominate the paint, the Buckeyes will need to hit their outside shots.
Prediction
Ohio State has shown resilience in tough environments, nearly completing a comeback at Wisconsin and snapping Purdue’s home-winning streak. However, Nebraska’s strong home record and Brice Williams’ recent form give them a slight edge. This game will likely be a close contest that comes down to late-game execution. If John Mobley Jr. finds his shooting touch, Ohio State has a strong chance, but Nebraska’s balance and home-court advantage could make the difference.
Final Prediction: Nebraska 76, Ohio State 72.
