Ohio State gets back in the win column against Penn State at home, beating the Nittany Lions 84-78, propelled by John Mobley’s 25 points.

Coming off emotional loss in Ann Arbor, Ohio State looked to reclaim momentum as it embarks on its journey to the tourney. Both Christoph Tilly and Gabe Cupps were ruled out after sustaining injuries in practice over the weekend, leaving the Buckeyes short-handed, particularly down low.

The good news for OSU would be the fact that not only is Penn State winless in Big Ten play and the 10th youngest team in the country, but they were also unable to practice in a gym this weekend due to the massive snowstorm. This would prove to plague the Nittany Lions early on.

OSU would have trouble with turnovers early on, keeping PSU in the game. However, the Nittany Lions were having trouble finding any kind of rhythm on the offensive end for much of the first half. By the 12:40 mark, PSU was shooting just 27% and trailing despite the Buckeyes five early turnovers.

This was, of course, aided by the fact that OSU was shooting 75% from the field at this point, thanks in part to the breakout performance from Amare Bynum, who would finish the half with 13 points, tied with John Mobley Jr as the leading scorer. By the 9:30 mark, Ohio State led 25-11 after a Taison Chatman floater and a 14-2 run from the Buckeyes.

Puff Johnson would make his presence felt as well, particularly on defense, forcing a shot clock violation shortly after he entered the game and continuing the Buckeyes’ dominant run. Johnson’s play in the paint would be important with Ivan Njegovan getting into foul trouble by the 8:00 mark of the first half. Ohio State made hay in the paint, finishing with 20 points down low at half, compared to PSU’s 8 points. Considering the lack of depth for Ohio State tonight, this was a very welcome sight. At halftime, the Buckeyes led 50-32 after shooting an impressive 67% from the field.

The second half would be a different story for both squads. By the 11:47 mark, OSU’s lead would dwindle to just 58-54. At this point, the Buckeyes field goal percentage dropped to 40%, and PSU turned up the heat, shooting a whopping 89% behind lights-out shooting from Sophomore Guard Eli Rice and tightening up their defense.

After a series of sloppy possessions for both teams, Penn State would come within one (60-59) after a questionable foul was called on Colin White. Coach Jake Diebler was incredulous in letting the officials know just how he felt about it as well. The Buckeyes were reeling.

Whenever their backs are against the wall this year, there’s been one man who tends to take over for Ohio State: John Mobley Jr. Mobley answered this run with one of his own, knocking down a pair of Free Throws and a three-pointer to put the Buckeyes up 65-59. From this point on, OSU would find more consistent play on both ends and led 74-63 by the 6:36 mark after yet another Mobley Jr fade-away three.

Mobley would finish with 25 points as he continues his stellar offensive-run for the Buckeyes. Domination in the paint would also continue for OSU as they finished the game with 34 points down low and came away with a much-needed victory by a score of 84-78. It wasn’t the prettiest win, but after a series of injuries and a tough loss over the weekend, Diebler and the Buckeyes certainly won’t complain.

Ohio State 14-6 (6-4) will head up to Madison to take on Wisconsin 14-6 (6-3) this Saturday at 2:00 PM