Chris Holtmann stresses importance of win vs. Penn State

Ohio State defeated Penn State 79-67 at home on Saturday to snap a three-game losing streak in Big Ten action. It felt like a must-win game for the Buckeyes, and Chris Holtmann’s squad rose to the occasion.

After the game, Holtmann explained the importance of securing a win against the Nittany Lions at home and improving their conference record to 3-4 on the year.

“I think you’re always going to play with the level of desperation,” Holtmann said of Ohio State’s mindset vs. PSU. “I would also say this, I thought our crowd was great again. We talked about that at Wisconsin. It’s a little bit harder when you get off to a 16-0 lead, the crowd at that point can maybe not be as engaged. But I thought they gave us great energy there. And I just, you know, I wish we could play every game a Saturday at noon.

“I don’t know if anybody can swing that with the Big Ten, but if you could I would love it. We love playing Saturday and Sunday afternoon games. We have a couple more. But it was a great crowd with great energy. It was an important win.”

The Buckeye backcourt were the driving force in the win over the Nittany Lions. Sophomore guards Roddy Gayle Jr. and Evan Mahffey scored 16 points a piece and combined for 11 assists and nine rebounds for Ohio State. Forward Jamison Battle scored 11 and Zed Key scored 10 points in 12 minutes off the bench.

One player that did not contribute to the win, however, was freshman forward Scotty Middleton. He served a one-game suspension for violating team rules against Penn State, and will return for Tuesday’s road matchup against Nebraska.

The 6-foot-7 Miami native has averaged 4.7 points and 1.8 rebounds coming off the bench as a true freshman this season. He had seen action in 16 of the Buckeyes 17 games this season prior to his suspension. Holtmann expanded on Middleton’s situation after the win, saying that he will always hold his players accountable for their actions.

“He’s a really good kid, love him, and obviously a big part of this team,” Holtmann said. “I know it’s a different era in college sports, but our best players have always wanted to be coached and wanted to be held accountable. I love him as a kid and am looking forward to his return.”

Tip-off for Tuesday’s Big Ten Conference matchup between the Buckeyes and Huskers is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET and will air on Peacock.