Ohio State Seeks Breathing Room in Encounter vs. Penn State

After a convincing defensive performance against Iowa, the Ohio State Buckeyes aim to keep the momentum going when they visit the Penn State Nittany Lions in a Big Ten showdown on Thursday night in University Park, Pa.

Buckeyes Looking to Build on Blowout Victory

Ohio State (12-8, 4-5 Big Ten) has been grinding through tight games, with five of its last six contests being decided by single digits. However, Monday’s 82-65 rout of Iowa was a refreshing change.

“It felt weird,” said guard Bruce Thornton, describing the rare blowout win. “It felt like too good to be true.”

The Buckeyes’ defense was the difference, holding Iowa 20 points below its season average.

“We’re showing significant (defensive) growth,” said head coach Jake Diebler. “We’re getting more and more connected. You’re starting to see our experience come through defensively.”

Penn State Struggling in Close Games

While Ohio State has found ways to win, Penn State (13-8, 3-7 Big Ten) has struggled to close out games, dropping six of its last seven, including a 76-72 loss at Michigan on Monday.

The Nittany Lions have lost five of those games by single digits, showing just how close they are to turning things around.

“Just keep pushing, just keep being us, show what we’re capable of,” said Nick Kern Jr., who averages 13.0 points per game.

Penn State boasts six players averaging double figures, led by:

• Ace Baldwin Jr. (14.3 PPG)
• Nick Kern Jr. (13.0 PPG)

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Ohio State’s Freshman Guard Making an Impact

One emerging X-factor for the Buckeyes is freshman John Mobley Jr., who recorded 12 points and a career-high eight assists against Iowa.

“‘Juni’ is playing a lot of high minutes now,” Thornton said. “If teams sleep on him, he can shoot a wide-open shot.”

What’s at Stake?

• Ohio State is looking to stay in the hunt for a Big Ten tournament bye and gain ground in the standings.
• Penn State desperately needs a win to stop its slide and avoid falling further in the conference race.

With both teams battling for positioning, expect a high-energy matchup as the Nittany Lions try to snap their losing streak, while the Buckeyes aim to build on their defensive momentum.

Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM ET in University Park.