The Buckeyes (10-4, 1-1) also let a possible victory elude them Saturday. Although it wasn't of the nail-biting variety, they battled closely for much of their contest against No. 8 (No. 7 AP) Illinois. Ohio State had tied the game at 37 with 15:44 remaining only to see the Fighting Illini slowly build a comfortable lead en route to an 83-68 win.
The Buckeyes return to Columbus hoping to take advantage of their home court for the next three games.
"We find ourselves with three consecutive games at home in the conference and we feel like we have to maximize our opportunities at home," Ohio State coach Jim O'Brien said in a press release.
Maximizing their opportunities will involve doing just what they have been for much of this season — rebounding. The Buckeyes average six more rebounds a game than their opponents, led by center Ken Johnson.
The senior is averaging 6.7 boards and 11.5 points a night, in addition to leading the conference in blocks with 61.
With his imposing force in the middle and his sharp-shooting teammates, Ohio State will try to defend an impressive home record. Since the VCA opened up three years ago, the Buckeyes are 38-4, with no loss by more than three points.
Penn State will try to become one of those few visitors with success, just as it did in Rupp Arena with its victory against Kentucky earlier this season.
Although most of the attention will be on Penn State senior Joe Crispin, perhaps it is the Lions' bench that will be the biggest key. In the last two games, Penn State reserves have combined for eight points and nine rebounds.
"I'd like to get seven, eight or even nine guys in the rotation," Lions coach Jerry Dunn said. "But I have to see some things."
And he needs to see them soon. The Lions need a victory badly to avoid falling too far behind in one of the tougher conferences in the country.
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