Records
Ohio State 17-4 (11-4), Penn State 7-10 (4-9)
Broadcast, TV, Game Time
Date: Thursday, Feb. 18
Game Time: 8 p.m. EST
Venue: Bryce Jodan Center, University Park, PA
Network: The Big Ten Network
If you watched the first contest between Ohio State and Penn State on the hardwood, you know that the Buckeyes are in for a challenge Thursday night. The Nittany Lions gave OSU all it could handle the first time around using a ton of on-the-ball pressure and penetration from its guard play.
If we’re being honest, Ohio State made the plays it needed to win, but it felt like a steal and one that could have very easily ended up in the loss column.
And now, here we go for round two. The Buckeyes are on an absolute tear, in a conference where it’s nearly impossible to go on a run. They have won six straight and nine of their last ten to be within arms reach of the top spot in the league. A win would keep the forward momentum going for OSU, while a loss would be a mortal wound to the chances at a regular-season Big Ten title.
Let’s dig into everything you need to know about this one.
Next … The Ohio State game plan
Ohio State Cliffs Notes game plan
🔒 Locked in‼️ 8PM on @BigTenNetwork #Team122 #GoBuckeyes pic.twitter.com/jE3iRZuxur
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) February 18, 2021
If Ohio State can win the turnover battle, I think it wins this game. Penn State got back into the game the first time around because of mistakes it created because of some persistent on-ball pressure. The Buckeyes played too timid and weren’t strong enough with the ball. That’s more of a mindset for OSU, but it can be helped some by spreading the offense out a little more. Look for the Buckeyes to space the offense out a little more in this one and allow the guards and wings to use that ball pressure against Penn state by breaking down defenders and taking the ball to the hoop.
On defense, it’s all about Penn State’s guards too. They like to get into the lane and create angles and movement for open shots. As Ohio State always does, it’ll most likely play man-to-man defense, but it might be one that allows a little space on the shooters instead of a ton of closeouts. From there, it’s all about boxing out and crashing the class so that the Nittany Lions don’t get a ton of second chances.
NEXT … Key Players For Both Teams
Key Player For Ohio State
They've seen Chris Holtmann's quotes about coaching Duane Washington, and they know exactly what he's talking about. I spoke with Duane's two high school coaches on what it's like and why, "headaches and all," they love the guy to this day: https://t.co/ViPLSQiBjq#Buckeyes
— Adam Jardy (@AdamJardy) February 17, 2021
Guard, Duane Washington – Washington can sometimes fall in love with pulling up and bombing away from deep. He’s at his best though when he takes the open shot from beyond the arc, and looks to penetrate into the lane when he’s not open. He was masterful with that against Maryland, and with the on-ball pressure the Penn State defenders are going to use, he has to be aggressive and look to do things off the bounce in this one, then finish or find an open shooter. If he plays well, and does things within the flow of the game, I think OSU walks away happy.
Key Player to Know for Penn State
Seth. Lundy.
And how about that pass from John Harrar!@PennStateMBB | #WeAre pic.twitter.com/maWM8xK3vZ
— Penn State On BTN (@PennStateOnBTN) January 28, 2021
Forward, Seth Lundy – While guard Myreon Jones has been the leading scorer for the Nittany Lions this year, Lundy had himself a ballgame against the Buckeyes last time out. He finished with 26 points on 7-of-16 from the floor, including 4-of-8 from 3-point range. He also scored eight points from the free-throw line alone. At one point in the game, he caught fire, put the Nittany Lions on his back, and almost rode out of Columbus with a win. He’ll look to penetrate and pull up at will if he’s feeling it. Simply put, he can’t have the same type of game he had last time out against Ohio State or it could spell doom.
NEXT … The prediction
How It’ll All Go Down
This game scares me a little because of how hard Penn State plays, the pressure the guards put on you both offensively and defensively, and the fact that Ohio State hasn’t had anything near a let-down game for quite some time. This kind of feels like that. I expect the Nittany Lions to come out with a lot of effort and emotion, wanting to make a big statement. Look for Ohio State to be down early, but slowly find its way back and pull out a close one because of the mental toughness and talent this team possesses.
Final Score
Ohio State 77, Penn State 74
Line
Ohio State -4.5 (Odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook.)
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