Big Ten Roundup (Jan. 21): Ohio State Thumps Iowa, Snaps 5-Game Losing Streak

It has been robust sledding these days for Ohio State, losers of 5 straight. However the Buckeyes put all of it collectively in a 93-77 rout of Iowa on Saturday in Columbus. Freshman ahead Brice Sensabaugh led the best way with 27 factors.

Ohio State (11-8, 3-5 in Large Ten) additionally bought 18 factors, 10 rebounds and 7 assists from senior guard Isaac Likekene and bought double-figure scoring from bench gamers Justice Sueing and Sean McNeil, who had began all 18 video games earlier than being benched for Saturday’s outing. 

Iowa (12-7, 4-4 in Large Ten) had gained 4 straight video games earlier than Saturday, and struggled to close down Ohio State’s offense, which averaged simply 66.7 factors throughout that five-game skid. Ohio State shot 56.3 % for the sport, and 64.7 % within the second half.

“Clearly it ain’t been the brightest these days, 5 Ls in a row,” Likekene mentioned. “It feels good. It does one thing for the gamers and the staff’s confidence to get again in that win column. It’s actually a momentum factor. With us being such a brand new staff and we having a bunch of younger guys, I feel it was crucial for these younger guys to see us get again in that win column. 

“I’ve skilled beginning off gradual in season play and ending out up prime. It’s crucial for them to see us get again in that win column.”

Ohio State had misplaced 5 straight all by single digits, the primary time in program historical past that such a run had ever occurred. Buckeyes coach Chris Holtmann knew full effectively how a lot his staff wanted a win, however he additionally understands the Large Ten grind would not get any simpler. The Buckeyes have robust highway checks subsequent week at Illinois on Tuesday and at Indiana on Saturday.

“We definitely wanted it, like our subsequent breath, so it was good to get lots of contributions from lots of guys,” Holtmann mentioned. “It definitely feels actually good, nevertheless it’s one sport. I feel that’s the attitude.” 

Buckeyes ahead Zed Key left the sport within the ultimate minute with an obvious knee harm, and wanted to be helped to the locker.

Penn State 76, Nebraska 65

Andrew Funk scored 23 factors and hit 5 three-pointers as Penn State (13-6, 4-4 in Large Ten) rolled previous Nebraska 76-65 in State Faculty. Seth Lundy added 16 for the Nittany Lions and Jalen Pickett added 12 factors and 13 rebounds

Nebraska (10-10, 3-6 in Large Ten) was led by Derrick Walker, who had 20 factors. The Cornhuskers had been inside three (57-54) with 8:12 however Penn State went on a 15-5 to tug away. 

Wisconsin at Northwestern, ppd.

Northwestern was compelled to postpone a second straight sport on Saturday due to COVID-19 points affecting a number of gamers in this system.  Experiences have mentioned that the sport might be rescheduled for Monday. This week’s sport towards Iowa that was postponed has been rescheduled for Jan. 31.

This might be a busy week for the Wildcats (12-5, 3-3 in Large Ten), who must play on back-to-back nights. They play at Nebraska on Tuesday.  

Sunday’s Large Ten schedule

• MICHIGAN STATE at INDIANA, Midday ET: Indiana has gained two straight video games, with spectacular double-digit wins over No. 18 Wisconsin and on the highway towards an Illinois staff that had gained for straight. They get a Michigan State staff on Sunday that is been taking part in effectively, although they’re going to be with out standout ahead Malik Corridor, who has a foot harm. TV: CBS. Level unfold: Indiana is a 4.5-point favourite on Sunday morning based on the SISportsbook.com playing web site. How one can watch: CLICK HERE. Odds historical past: CLICK HERE.
• MARYLAND at No. 3 PURDUE, 1 p.m. ET: Purdue is on a five-game profitable streak and has instantly pulled away from the sector within the Large Ten, main by two video games. They’re 18-1 total, one of the best begin at school historical past, and 7-1 within the league. Maryland (12-6, 3-4 in Large Ten) is led by Charlotte switch Jahmir Younger, who’s averaging 15.8 factors per sport. TV: FOX Sports activities 1. Level unfold. Purdue is a ten.5-point favourite on Sunday morning based on the SISportsbook.com playing web site. How one can watch: CLICK HERE. Odds historical past: CLICK HERE.
• MINNESOTA at MICHIGAN, 1 p.m. ET: Michigan (10-8, 4-3 in Large Ten) bought off to begin in Large Ten play, however now they’ve misplaced three of 4, so Sunday’s dwelling sport towards last-place Minnesota (7-10, 1-6 in Large Ten) is a must-win scenario. These two groups performed in December, with Michigan profitable 90-75 in Minneapolis. TV: Large Ten Community. Level unfold: Michigan is a ten.5-point favourite on Sunday morning based on the SISportsbook.com playing web site.