Records
Ohio State 7-2 (1-2), Nebraska 4-5 (0-2)
Broadcast, TV, Game Time
Date: Wednesday, December 30
Game Time: 6:30 p.m. EST
Venue: Value City Arena, Columbus, OH
Network: BTN
The Ohio State basketball team heads back home to host Nebraska after what can only be explained as a gut punch at Northwestern. After squandering the lead late in Evanston and losing by one measly point, the Buckeyes now must get back in the win column.
If the rest of the Big Ten season looks anything like the beginning of it, the winner of the conference is going to have a few losses saddled around their neck. One-game here or there could make all the difference between finishing atop the standings vs. being stuck in the middle of the pack.
So far, Nebraska hasn’t gotten off to the best of starts, but the ‘Huskers still have a team capable of creating some fits and will get their fair share of upsets and moments during the season.
It’s just another day in the rough and tumble Big Ten, and OSU desperately needs to even its Big Ten record to 2-2 if it can.
Next … The Ohio State game plan
Ohio State cliff notes game plan
Do not pass go.
Do not collect $200.#GoBuckeyes #Team122 https://t.co/Wv9KlrbAEz— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) December 26, 2020
Nebraska is a team that will use a small lineup, try to spread the opposition out, and look for dribble drives and kick-outs for open looks. That means the Buckeyes will have to give the perimeter players a little bit of space and cut off the lane. Ultimately, there will be some breakdowns off the dribble because the skill is there, so Ohio State defenders will need to keep an eye on ball and man and look to help out on defense and rotate. While the ‘Huskers can knock a three-ball down here and there, they aren’t a great shooting team.
On defense, Ohio State should have an advantage in this game in the post. E.J. Liddell and Kyle Young aren’t the most imposing figures down on the block, but against a smaller, quicker lineup, there should be some mismatches available. It might be tough to play them at the same time a whole lot because the Buckeyes might need more ball-handlers in this one for when Nebraska wants to speed things up, but it’s all a balance and taking care of the ball and getting into offensive sets will be paramount.
NEXT … Key Players For Both Teams
Key Player For Ohio State
The E.J. Liddell ascent is real. A team-high six points with two boards so far. Mid-range game is as good as ever.
Some early Seth Towns minutes, too.
Tied at 14 apiece. Miller Kopp with 12 of Northwestern's 14 points to help his team go on an 11-0 run.
— Colin Hass-Hill (@chasshill) December 26, 2020
Forward, E.J. Liddell – There is the potential for Liddell to have a monster game. He should be able to get to any spot he wants and get a lot of damage done in and around the lane in this one. There aren’t too many games where he doesn’t have to go against a big front-line in this league, but this is one. He should also be able to wreak havoc on the boards and pick up some loose change on the offensive end when balls come off the rim. OSU should play through him a ton in this one.
Key Player to Know for Nebraska
Teddy Allen with 2️⃣1️⃣ at the break for Nebraska!pic.twitter.com/gGi8MgS0GT
— Heat Check CBB (@HeatCheckCBB) December 25, 2020
Guard, Teddy Allen – Allen plays off the ball and will toss up a three-pointer when he’s open, but his game is more designed to working hard to get the ball in his hands and look to drive and probe in the lane. When he gets the ball, he’s confident and will look to beat his man off the dribble and pull up with a high release point. He leads the Cornhuskers in scoring and will crash the rim at 6-foot, 6-inches for extra opportunities. He is a matchup problem.
NEXT … The prediction
How It’ll All Go Down
Ohio State should get back in the win column in this one, though it can’t take things for granted. As long as the Buckeyes take care of the ball, they should be able to get some good shots and open looks while taking advantage of some matchup advantages against Nebraska. The ‘Huskers have had problems scoring against good defensive teams in the Big Ten, and that’s what they’ll be facing in this one with Ohio State.
Final Score
Ohio State 71, Nebraska 60
Line
Ohio State -12.5 (Odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook.)
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