The Big Ten only had two games on Tuesday night, but both were important steps for each respective unit in their NCAA Tournament pursuit. Both ended up winning.
Let’s take a look at what happened.
–Ohio State Buckeyes 89, Grambling State Tigers 63
The Buckeyes bounced back from last week’s loss to North Carolina pretty well, cruising past Grambling State at home on Tuesday. The game was over in the first half, as Ohio State jumped out to a double-digit lead and never looked back. John Mobley led the way with 20 points and four assists on the night. Bruce Thornton also had a nice showing, with 18 points, four rebounds, and three assists. The Bucks eventually scored an 89-63 win.
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Ohio State improved to 9-3 overall with the win. It continued a recent trend of alternating wins and losses for the Buckeyes, as the team has now gone six games without consecutive wins or losses. It’s a streak that dates back to before Thanksgiving and one that Buckeye fans will hope will break in short order.
The team will now get Christmas and New Year’s off before reopening Big Ten play on the road against Rutgers on January 2nd. The Scarlet Knights have struggled so far this season, so it figures to be a great opportunity for Ohio State to pick up its second road game of the season. A win there and it would set up a massive home game against Nebraska on January 5th. The Huskers are currently unbeaten.
–UCLA Bruins 97, UC Riverside Highlanders 65
The Bruins took care of business in this one, blowing out an overmatched UC Riverside squad at home. While the Highlanders hung around for much of the first half, the wheels came off after the break and UCLA ended up grabbing a 32-point win. Tyler Bilodeau led the way with 34 points and six rebounds. Skyy Clark also finished with 14 points and two assists in the win.
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UCLA improved to 10-3 overall with the win. Like Ohio State above, the Bruins will be off for Christmas and New Year’s before resuming play in 2026. The team will reopen Big Ten play on the road against Iowa on January 3rd and then face Wisconsin on the road on January 6th. Both games look pretty difficult.
