UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Ohio State Buckeyes decisively defeated the Penn State Nittany Lions, winning 83-64 at Rec Hall on January 30, 2025. This victory continues Ohio State's resurgence as they improve their conference record to 5-5, pushing them closer to NCAA Tournament contention.
From the start, Ohio State exhibited control, quickly establishing dominance on the court. Led by freshman sharpshooter John Mobley Jr., who scored 19 points, the Buckeyes applied significant pressure defensively and on the boards. Mobley not only showed off his scoring prowess with three 3-pointers, but also contributed eight assists and six rebounds, displaying his all-around game.
The Buckeyes' success stemmed from their significant rebounding advantage, finishing the game with 41 rebounds to Penn State’s 23. This was highlighted by their ability to convert second-chance points, which were 18-4 against the Nittany Lions. Bruce Thornton was another key player; his hot shooting from beyond the arc, hitting 5 of 7 attempts, helped solidify Ohio State’s lead and demoralize Penn State.
Ohio State entered halftime leading 43-33, and their sustained performance during the second half ensured the Nittany Lions would not mount any serious comeback. Devin Royal added 15 points and contributed effectively on the boards, reinforcing the team's depth scoring and rebounding efforts. Micah Parrish chipped in with 12 points, showcasing the offensive balance Ohio State displayed throughout the game.
On the other side, Penn State faced significant challenges. Despite Yanic Konan Niederhauser's impressive 21-point performance, the team suffered from poor shooting stretches and struggled to keep pace with Ohio State’s offensive execution. Niederhauser shot 8-for-13 from the field but received little support, as the Nittany Lions fell unable to match the intensity and efficiency of their counterparts.
Notably, Zach Hicks managed 13 points, hitting some key 3-pointers, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the growing gap as the game progressed. Ace Baldwin Jr. and Nick Kern both scored 10 points each, but their contributions were overshadowed by the Buckeyes' collective effort. The Nittany Lions now sit at 13-9 overall and 3-8 within the Big Ten, marking their seventh loss in the last eight games.
Following the win, Ohio State aims to ride this momentum as they face tougher competition against the Illinois Fighting Illini. The upcoming game is set to test their resolve and depth even more, particularly as they strive to solidify their standings heading toward the NCAA Tournament. Penn State will look to regroup quickly, facing Minnesota next.
This game not only showcased Ohio State's potential as they continue to string wins together but also highlighted the Nittany Lions' continued struggle to find consistency as the season progresses.