Matchup: Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Penn State Nittany Lions
Ohio State Record: 12-8 (4-5 Big Ten)
Game Time: Thursday, January 30, 6:30 PM ET
Venue: Rec Hall, University Park, PA
KenPom Rankings: PSU – 28, OSU – 44
NET Rankings: PSU – 28, OSU – 48
TV Broadcast: FS1
Streaming: Fox Sports App
Radio: Penn State Sports Network
Betting Line: Penn State -3.5 (ESPNBet)
Over/Under: 148.5 (ESPNBet)
A Familiar Setting for the Nittany Lions
For the second consecutive season, Penn State will host Ohio State at Rec Hall in what has become a welcomed tradition. Last year, under the leadership of head coach Mike Rhoades, the Lions secured a thrilling victory over Illinois in the same venue. With January proving to be a challenging month, Penn State could use a morale boost in a familiar and supportive environment.
Ohio State, much like Penn State, has struggled on the road. While most Big Ten teams find it difficult to secure wins away from home, the Buckeyes issues extend back to last season. Both squads enter this contest riding opposite streaks Ohio State is on a two-game winning run, while Penn State has dropped its last two, despite holding late leads in both matchups.
Scouting Ohio State
The Buckeyes retained a solid core from last season, including Devin Royal, Bruce Thornton, Evan Mahaffey, and Austin Parks. While Parks was briefly away from the team, he has since returned to action. They are bolstered by key additions like Micah Parrish (San Diego State), John Mobley, Sean Stewart (Duke), Aaron Bradshaw, and Ques Glover (Samford), all of whom play significant minutes.
Ohio State is a well-rounded team without any glaring strengths or weaknesses. This balance has led to surprising upsets against top programs such as Texas, Kentucky, and Purdue, but also puzzling defeats, including a blowout loss to Maryland, a stumble against Pitt, and a narrow double-overtime escape against Minnesota, one of the Big Ten lowest-ranked teams.
Key Storylines to Follow
1. Adjusting to Rotational Changes
The Nittany Lions have now played four games with Nick Kern Jr. assuming a larger role in Puff Johnson’s absence. Additionally, the team has been adjusting to life without Ace Baldwin Jr., who has missed time due to back issues. How well the squad adapts to these lineup shifts will be crucial.
2. Closing Out Games
Penn State has been highly competitive against strong opponents, keeping games within a single possession against Oregon, Michigan, Michigan State, and Iowa. Three of those four contests were road games, and three of the teams are considered superior to Ohio State. Can the Lions build on these performances and take control of this matchup?
Prediction
Penn State has been knocking on the door of a breakthrough win, coming close against some of the Big Ten’s best. With home-court advantage at Rec Hall, this could finally be the night the Nittany Lions turn those near-misses into a statement victory.
Final Score Prediction: Penn State 88, Ohio State 77
