COLUMBUS, Ohio (Interstat) — Ohio State built a large first-half lead and withstood a strong Penn State comeback to earn an 84-78 men’s basketball victory Monday night at Value City Arena.

The Buckeyes led 50-32 at halftime before the Nittany Lions surged with 46 second-half points. The rally fell short as Ohio State secured the conference win in front of 10,358 fans. With the result, Ohio State improved to 14-6 overall, while Penn State dropped to 9-11.

The combined score of 162 points exceeded the pregame over/under line of 153.5. Ohio State was a 12-point favorite pregame. The teams will meet again in State College on March 4.