Opinion
3 min read

Can Ohio State Buckeyes Ride Their Momentum Against Nebraska Cornhuskers?

As the Ohio State Buckeyes prepare to host the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Value City Arena, fans are buzzing with anticipation. The Buckeyes, coming off a string of compelling performances, look poised to continue their ascent in what promises to be a riveting encounter.


Jan 23, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; The Nebraska Cornhuskers react after a 3-point shot by guard Brice Williams (3) against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first half at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports

In their last outing on February 18th against the Purdue Boilermakers, ranked 2nd nationally at the time, OSU showcased resilience and tactical prowess. Despite being outrebounded 36-23 and committing more personal fouls (20), they managed to secure a narrow victory with a final score of 73-69. The Buckeyes' efficient shooting from both the field (48 percent) and free-throw line (91 percent) was instrumental in overcoming Purdue's robust defense.


The game also highlighted OSU's ability to capitalize on turnovers, scoring an impressive 22 points off Boilermaker mistakes. This facet of their game could prove crucial against Nebraska. Moreover, OSU's balanced offensive attack saw them converting at a remarkable rate inside the paint while also knocking down seven three-pointers.


Jan 23, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers guard Jamarques Lawrence (10) celebrates after a 3-point shot by forward Rienk Mast (51) against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second half at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports

However, it wasn't all smooth sailing for OSU leading up to this matchup. A trip to Madison on February 14th resulted in a less favorable outcome as they fell short against Wisconsin Badgers with a score of 54-62. Despite shooting reasonably well from beyond the arc at 39 percent that night, it was not enough to counteract Wisconsin's rebounding dominance and second-chance opportunities.


Yet perhaps most telling was OSU's performance against Maryland Terrapins on February 10th when they emerged victorious after two overtimes by outlasting their opponents with an end score of 79-75. That night demonstrated not only stamina but also depth as they overcame foul troubles and still managed an assist-turnover ratio of exactly one despite nine turnovers.


Jan 23, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers forward Rienk Mast (51) celebrates after a 3-point shot against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second half at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports

Looking ahead at Nebraska Cornhuskers' visitation on Leap Day evening will be no walkover for either team; however, based upon recent form and home-court advantage – where fan support has been nothing short of electrifying – there is reason for optimism within the Buckeye camp.


The upcoming clash scheduled for February 29th at Value City Arena is set for tip-off at precisely half past six in the evening Eastern Time. Fans unable or unwilling to brave Columbus' late-winter chill can catch all action live on Fox Sports 1 channel number two hundred nineteen – ensuring not even those furthest from Ohio’s heartland need miss what promises be another thrilling chapter in this storied collegiate basketball season.

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