Preview: Ohio State Buckeyes at Penn State Nittany Lions

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (Interstat) — The Ohio State Buckeyes, riding the momentum of a significant win, visit the Penn State Nittany Lions on Wednesday night in a Big Ten men’s basketball matchup at the Bryce Jordan Center.

Ohio State (18-11) arrives after an 82-74 home victory over then-Purdue on Sunday, a result that bolstered its NCAA Tournament resume. The Buckeyes have won two of their last three, though their road form has been inconsistent.

Penn State (12-17) is coming off a 71-69 home win over Iowa on Feb. 28 but has lost seven of its last 10 games. The Nittany Lions will look to build on that victory and play spoiler against their conference rival.

The game features a marquee backcourt matchup. Ohio State is led by junior guard Bruce Thornton, who is averaging 22.3 points over his last three games. He scored 20 in the win over Purdue and had a 32-point outburst in a close loss at Michigan State on Feb. 22.

Penn State will counter with junior guard Josh Reed, its most consistent offensive threat. Reed is coming off a 25-point, 4-assist performance against Iowa and has scored in double figures in 10 consecutive games.

Ohio State won the season’s first meeting, 84-78, in Columbus on Jan. 26. In that game, Thornton had 19 points and seven assists, while Reed led Penn State with 21 points.

For the Buckeyes, a win is crucial to solidify their postseason positioning ahead of their regular-season finale against Indiana on Saturday. John Mobley, who had 21 points against Purdue, provides key support for Thornton.

Penn State, anchored by Reed and guard Freddie Dilione V, will aim to leverage its home court and replicate its recent defensive effort against Iowa to pull an upset.

Tip-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. EST. The game will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network.