The Buckeyes maintain their stride as they sufficed against Penn State, going on to win 68-60. In part to a 17-point, 14-rebound game from Greg Oden Ohio State raises their record to 25-3 and 13-1 in the Big Ten. Jamar Bulter added 18 points. The defense-pressured game kept the scoring down on both sides Wednesday night as did the decline in FG% in the second half. Ohio State made 20-of-48 shots while their opponents hit 21-of-53. There was no shootout in the foil for this contest. Actually, if it weren't for Penn State's 9 turnovers and 40% shooting the game would've been much closer.
It's surprising how the no. 1 rated team struggles against the worst team in their conference. Penn State has won 1 game all year in the Big Ten. Earlier in the year, Ohio State lost to UNC without Greg Oden in the lineup then dropped to a big game to Florida. All their losses have come from top teams in the nation (including Wisconsin). They appear to be taking games against less formidable challengers too lightly. Obviously, a team issue is getting Oden more touches inside. I think come March, in the tournament they main strength will be defense and turnovers-to-points ratio.
Unless Wisconsin can force an upset over them this weekend they'll remain rated #1. It's going to be tight game, with little margin for either team. Whomever drives the momentum in their favor late and runs for it late in the game will most likely pull out a victory. Ohio State's guards, Butler and Conley will have to turn their game up a notch and look to feed the big fella in the paint from the early going. Yet I wouldn't put it pass Wisconsin to light it up from the field and take control in the final minutes....everything can happen.
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