Ohio State saw a scare in the beginning of the second half, as Penn State would take a 7-point lead at about the 14 minute mark. Luckily for the Buckeyes, D'Angelo Russell wasn't having it. Russell exploded for 28 points and 5 threes to lead the Buckeyes to a 77-67 win over Penn State. This win gives Ohio State coach 399 total going into Sunday's matchup against Big-Ten leading Wisconsin.
"This game was big for us so for so many other reasons," Matta said. "When the time's right, I'll sit down and have a nice glass of wine and think about it. We have to get ourselves ready; we're playing the best team in the Big Ten on Sunday."
Russell was easily the difference-maker as the comeback wouldn't have been possible without his spark.
"He makes me a better coach," Matta said. "No doubt about it, we were struggling from the free-throw line. He started making shots and we started making free throws. He did a tremendous job of keeping his composure. He had a great pace about him."
This is a big win for Ohio State heading into their matchup against 6th-ranked Wisconsin on Sunday. Russell having a nice game is really the determining factor for Ohio to pull off an upset on Wisconsin. The Badgers are solid this year but a heroic performance could really put the Buckeyes over the Badgers. It would talk a great performance, though."We missed some shots and we had some turnovers, but Russell is that good," Chambers said. "He took over the game. He only needed a crease to get shots off; he got hot."