Scarlet and Game
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No. 8 Ohio State can avenge lone Big Ten loss at Penn State

By Willie Lutz

COLUMBUS, OH - FEBRUARY 10: Members of the Ohio State Buckeyes huddle prior to the start of the second half of the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Value City Arena on February 10, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Iowa 82-64. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - FEBRUARY 10: Members of the Ohio State Buckeyes huddle prior to the start of the second half of the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Value City Arena on February 10, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Iowa 82-64. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /
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Riding a streak of success, Ohio State has another focus test on the road against Penn State.

Without a doubt last week was huge for the Ohio State basketball team. Winning an important game on the road at then-No. 3 Purdue and following it up with a commanding home victory over Iowa, the Buckeyes moved to 13-1 in the conference. While they can’t correct the one ugly mark, they have a chance to get even with the team who created their only loss.

On January 26th, Penn State’s Tony Carr hit a buzzer-beating three to lift Penn State to an 82-79 upset, road victory in Columbus. Currently, it’s Ohio State’s only loss of the 2018 calendar year.

One difference Penn State gets to see in these Buckeyes is a renewed clamp on defense. Ranking 37th in defensive scoring (66 PPG), Chris Holtmann continues to brazen his Buckeyes as a tough defensive bunch.

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This factor should be used to contain sophomore guard Tony Carr, who scored 28 points on 10-of-14 from the floor (4-of-5 from three). Carr ranks second in the Big Ten in PPG, averaging 19.2 this season.

However, Ohio State has the conference’s leading scorer (19.9 PPG) and the Big Ten Player of the Year frontrunner on their front line.

Last time out, Keita Bates-Diop played great in his 32 minutes, scoring 25 points on 8-of-13 shooting (4-of-6 from three). However, 4 fouls limited his aggressiveness, leading to less aggressive defense and just 4 rebounds.

Adding to the Buckeye attack tonight for the first time since January 30th is Kam Williams. The fifth-year senior sat the last 3 games after violating team rules. Averaging 8 PPG this season and scoring 10 points last game against Penn State, his return could give the offense a boost.

Next: Trouble and turmoil in Michigan’s offensive staff?

Penn State derailed a perfect season in the Big Ten but now No. 8 Ohio State can correct their lone conference blemish. While it will be on the road, the Buckeyes should have an eye for redemption tonight. You can watch the action at 8 PM on the Big Ten Network.

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