For the first time in three years, Ohio State has secured a three-game win streak in January, including two victories on the road. The Buckeyes (13-8, 5-5 Big Ten) cruised past Penn State (13-9, 3-8) with an 83-64 triumph at the Bryce Jordan Center, pushing their conference record back to .500.
Ohio State led by double digits for most of the game, using a dominant performance on the boards to overpower the Nittany Lions. The Buckeyes out-rebounded Penn State 41-23, including a remarkable 13 offensive rebounds. Ohio State capitalized on these extra chances, dominating the second-chance points 18-4.
Freshman guard John Mobley Jr. continues to shine, leading the way with 19 points. Star point guard Bruce Thornton contributed 17 points, while Devin Royal added 15. Mobley also showed off his playmaking ability with seven assists. For Penn State, forward Yanic Konan Niederhauser was the standout with 21 points in a losing effort.
First Half: Ohio State Takes Control
From the opening tip, the Buckeyes displayed their superior work ethic, out-muscling Penn State to the tune of a 23-12 rebound advantage in the first half. Mobley and Thornton both hit early three-pointers to help Ohio State take a lead that they would not relinquish. Mobley followed with a floater, and Royal added four quick points to push the Buckeyes ahead 18-11.
Penn State struggled to find rhythm offensively, making just six of their first 15 shots for only 14 points in the first 11 minutes. As the half progressed, Mobley’s second three-pointer stretched the lead to 23-14. Though Penn State briefly closed the gap to 23-19, Ohio State responded with a string of scores. A baseline jumper from Evan Parrish and another three from Thornton gave the Buckeyes a nine-point lead at 32-23.
Mobley delivered a circus three-pointer and knocked down two technical free throws to extend the advantage to 15 points by halftime, with Ohio State leading 43-33.
Second Half: Ohio State Cruises
After halftime, Penn State came out with renewed energy, as Zach Hicks nailed two quick threes to trim the deficit to 45-39. But Ohio State’s response was swift. A dunk from Royal and a mid-range jumper from Ques Glover pushed the lead back to 52-42 by the first media timeout. More offensive rebounding helped maintain the advantage, with a tip-in from Sean Stewart and a putback dunk from Ivan Njegovan putting the Buckeyes comfortably ahead.
Thornton’s shooting touch was on full display, knocking down back-to-back three-pointers, the second of which came from the corner, making it a 15-point game. After two free throws from Njegovan, Ohio State led 67-50 with just under 10 minutes remaining. Thornton’s signature step-back three-pointer moments later gave the Buckeyes a 74-56 cushion, effectively sealing the game.
Mobley hit another shot to push the lead to 20 points, and Ohio State coasted to a 19-point victory, 83-64.
Looking Ahead
Ohio State wraps up its two-game road trip this Sunday with one of its toughest challenges of the season: a matchup with No. 18 Illinois. The game tips off at 1 p.m. on CBS.
Game Notes:
- Ohio State now holds a 41-20 all-time series lead over Penn State.
- The Buckeyes have shot 74% or better from the free-throw line in each of their last seven games, surpassing 80% in five of those contests.
- Freshman wing Colin White missed the game due to a lower-body injury, while Meechie Johnson Jr. was absent for personal reasons.
- Ohio State’s Aaron Bradshaw was in foul trouble all night, picking up four fouls within his first seven minutes of play and eventually fouling out. Sean Stewart also fouled out in just 13 minutes.
- The Buckeyes are now 10-4 when Mobley scores 10 or more points this season.
With this win, Ohio State is gaining momentum as the season heads into its final stretch.
