For the second straight season – and 4th time in six years – the Ohio State Buckeyes basketball team will own at least a share of the regular season Big Ten Championship after rolling over Penn State 82-61. Led by Jon Diebler’s 10 three-pointers, the Buckeyes jumped out to a 33-18 halftime lead and never looked back.
Even more impressive about Diebler’s night was the fact that his shot total – 10/12 – was all from beyond the arc. Diebler didn’t attempt one two-point field goal or free throw in his 30 point night.
Jared Sullinger was once again sluggish, scoring 10 points to go along with 10 rebounds in 34 minutes but the Buckeyes really didn’t need the freshman to pack his usual scoring punch. With Diebler leading the way, Ohio State got 21 points from William Buford and were never really challenged.
Playing in his final home game of a stellar career, Penn State guard Talor Battle scored 18 points while forward David Jackson added 12 points for the Nittany Lions who were trying to defeat a ranked opponent at home for the fourth time this season.
The Buckeyes shot 55.4% from the field, and out-rebounded Penn State 31-18 to secure the win. At 28-2, 15-2 in the Big Ten, the Buckeyes will now look forward to a rematch with Wisconsin on Sunday in Columbus to finish out the regular season.