MBK Postgame Notes: No. 8 Ohio State 70, Nebraska 44 - WICU12/WSEE Erie, PA News, Sports, Weather and Events

MBK Postgame Notes: No. 8 Ohio State 70, Nebraska 44

GAME

•         Wednesday's game marked the ninth all-time meeting between Ohio State and Nebraska. The Buckeyes hold a 7-2 advantage in the series and are 5-0 in games played in Columbus.

•         Ohio State improved to 53-44 in Big Ten Conference openers and 67-30 in Big Ten home openers. The Buckeyes own an all-time record of 740-668 in conference play.

TEAM

•         The Buckeyes held Nebraska under 50 points for the third-consecutive game between the two schools. The last Big Ten opponent Ohio State held under 50 points in three-consecutive games was Northwestern from 1999-2000.

•         Ohio State closed the half on a 16-2 run and opened the second half with a 10-2 run. The combined 26-4 scoring spurt covered 8:51 of play.

•         OSU held Nebraska to a season-low 30.4 percent from the field (17-56).

•         The Buckeyes held a 40-16 advantage in points scored in the paint.

•         As a ranked team (AP), No. 10 Ohio State is 437-118 all-time. Ohio State is 316-69 when ranked in the Top 10.

•         With the win, Ohio State upped its record to 70-20 vs. Big Ten opponents at Value City Arena.

THAD MATTA

•         Matta is 231-67 during his career at Ohio State and 333-98 overall as a head coach.

•         In his 13 years as a head coach, Matta is 118-47 vs. current Big Ten opponents.

•         Matta improved to 9-0 in Big Ten openers as Ohio State head coach.

•         Matta is 3-0 vs. Nebraska at OSU.

•         During the Matta era at Ohio State, the Buckeyes have a record of 200-21 vs. unranked opponents. Over the last three years, the Buckeyes are 63-1 vs. unranked foes.

•         Ohio State owns a 146-13 home record during the Matta era. The Buckeyes are 64-4 in Columbus over the past four seasons.

•         The Buckeyes are 60-10 vs. Big Ten opponents at Value City arena in nine seasons under Matta.

DESHAUN THOMAS

•         Led all scorers with 22 points.

•         Outscored the entire Nebraska team 18-17 in the first half. Thomas has twice scored more than the opponent in first half this season, last time with 21 pts vs. Savannah State, 18 (12/12/12).

•         With 1,156 points, Thomas moves to No. 35 on the all-time scoring list at Ohio State. He needs 24 points to pass Lawrence Funderburke for thirty-fourth all-time.

•         Has scored in double figures in all 13 games this season and totaled 20 or more points in six contests.

AARON CRAFT

•         Recorded three steals against the Cornhuskers to pass David Lighty (191, 2007-11) for No. 2 on the all-time list at Ohio State (193). Jay Burson (1986-89) is Ohio State's career leader with 204.

•         Tied a season best with eight assists for the game, moving to No. 5 on the all-time list at Ohio State with 423 for his career. He needs two assists to pass Mark Baker for fourth.

•         Collected a season-best six rebounds.

LENZELLE SMITH, JR.

•         Totaled 17 points for the Buckeyes; he has scored in double figures in nine of 13 games.

•         Connected on a career-best five 3-point field goals.

AMIR WILLIAMS

•         Scored a career-high eight points for Ohio State.

•         Tied a career best with four blocks.

•         Collected a career-best two steals.

SHANNON SCOTT

•         Has recorded at least one steal in 11-consecutive games.