Buckeyes Get Sloppy in Second Half, yet They Survive Nittany Lions Battle

When Ohio State arrived in Happy Valley today it didn’t have quite the energy it did back in November when these two teams met on the football field. It did however lead to the same result, a Buckeye victory.

The most anticipated match up in this game was Evan Turner versus Talor Battle. Neither disappointed the fans in the Bryce Jordan Center, as both led their team in scoring.

Evan Tuner finished with 25 points and seven rebounds, in another impressive performance by the Buckeye star. He had plenty of help tonight, something Battle desperately needed.

Four Buckeyes finished in double figures, most notably David Lighty who chipped in 18 points. William Buford had 12, and Jon Diebler gunned in 16 with some good perimeter shooting.

The Buckeyes held a four-point lead into the half, and controlled most of the first half on both ends of the court. The second half was anything but as Ohio State blew a 17-point lead to a trigger-happy Nittany Lion team.

Talor Battle wasn’t going to go quietly into the night; his 22 points were once again a team high. He did all he could to answer Turner shot for shot, in what became a thrilling second half performance by both players.

David Jackson had 13 points as the only other player in double figures for Penn State. Battle needed a supporting cast to assist him outscore this talented Buckeyes squad, but had no such luck.

Ohio State did what they could to help Penn State get back into the game late in the second half. David Lighty fouled Chris Babb on a three point shot giving the Nittany Lions a chance for a rare four point play. William Buford fouled Talor Battle at mid-court stopping the clock, and fouling out. Penn State answered by missing free throw after free throw, allowing Ohio State to hold onto the win.

The Buckeyes are now 20-0 this season when leading past the five minute mark in the second half. Ohio State (22-7) now turns its focus onto it arch rival Michigan (13-14), as these two teams meet up this Saturday. Ohio State has revenge on its mind as the Wolverines already beat a Turner-less Buckeye team 73-64 back in January.