In a crucial game for both teams, Penn State (19-8, 8-6 Big 10) travels to Columbus to face Ohio State (17-8, 7-7 Big 10). Penn State has a solid road record in Big 10 play this season, with wins over contenders Michigan State and Illinois. PSU has righted the ship after a three game losing streak with wins over Minnesota and the aforementioned Illini. The Lions have the favorite for Big 10 player of the year in point guard Talor Battle and a possible all Big 10 forward in Jamele Cornley. Ohio State seemed like a virtual lock for the NCAA tourney but three straight losses by a combined 10 points has put the Buckeyes chances very much in jeopardy. Do everything swingman Evan Turner and guards Jon Diebler and William Buford must step up in order to stop Ohio State's freefall back to the NIT. This game will feature A LOT of three point shooting, both teams have lived and died with the three this season, and this game will not be an exception. The difference maker could be Ohio State C BJ Mullens. Mullens has been somewhat of a disappointment for Thad Motta's club, but could dominate the smaller and fould prone interior of the Lions. This game should turn out to be a slugfest, but if Ohio State can start strong, the Lions could fold and this one could get ugly.
What to watch for- Battle and Turner taking the game over offensively down the stretch.
Wild Cards- Ohio State- BJ Mullens, PSU- free throw shooting, defensive rebounding
Prediction- Penn State 69, Ohio State 64
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