/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68646120/usa_today_15413567.0.jpg)
The Big Ten only had one game on Saturday after Michigan and Penn State’s meeting was postponed for COVID-19 related reasons. That matchup was between Ohio State and Rutgers and figured to be a physical showdown.
Let’s take a look at what happened.
Game of the Night:
-Ohio State Buckeyes 79, No. 15 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 68
While these two teams met in late December, this game played out much differently than the first. Rutgers controlled much of the first matchup before Myles Johnson fouled out and Ohio State took control. This time, Ohio State jumped out to a massive lead and was able to hold off Rutgers in the closing minutes for a 79-68 win.
The star of the game was EJ Liddell, who finished with 15 points, six rebounds, and two assists. He continues to be the team’s best player and will almost certainly dictate how Ohio State finishes this season. Jacob Young also had a nice performance for Rutgers, finishing with 19 points, two rebounds, and two assists.
For Ohio State, the win pushed the team to 9-3 overall, 3-3 in Big Ten play, and likely into the top 25 in next Monday’s rankings. The Buckeyes have a difficult schedule in the coming weeks, but will get a chance at revenge against Northwestern at home on Wednesday before facing Illinois and Wisconsin on the road thereafter.
On the other side, Scarlet Knight fans have to be getting a little uncomfortable with how things are trending in Piscataway. Rutgers got off to a tremendous start this season, but has now lost three in a row and four of the team’s last five games. And unfortunately, things won’t get much easier with Wisconsin at home on Friday. Fans will have to hope for an upset.
Cancelled/Postponed:
-No. 10 Michigan Wolverines at Penn State Nittany Lions
After the first meeting between these two came down to the closing seconds, most were looking forward to the rematch on Saturday. Unfortunately, fans will have to wait at least a little longer as Penn State had to postponed due to COVID-19 related reasons. Michigan is set to return to action on Tuesday against Wisconsin at home. It’s unclear when Penn State will get back into action.