Ohio State basketball beats Nebraska without Bruce Thornton

The Ohio State basketball team had to take on Nebraska without their best player on Thursday night. Bruce Thornton missed the game due to a migraine. It was supposed to be a crushing blow that the Buckeyes couldn’t survive. After all, he has been the only consistent source of offense. Instead, the Buckeyes got an impressive win.

Ohio State won the game 79-68 behind the strength of Jamison Battle and his 32 points. Battle was really good after he missed the last game with an ankle sprain. He made all ten of his free throws and hit four three-pointers. It was much needed because Ohio State’s guards had some terrible passes in this game.

The Ohio State basketball team has some momentum

Jake Diebler has done a phenomenal job coaching this team. The interim head coach now has wins over Purdue, Michigan State, and Nebraska. He’s putting together a pretty strong case to stay on the job next season. If he somehow leads the Ohio State Buckeyes to a miracle NCAA Tournament berth, he deserves the job.

That miracle berth doesn’t seem as far-fetched as it did two weeks ago. The two remaining games on their schedule are Michigan and Rutgers. Both are bad teams and the Buckeyes get TTUN at home. If they win both of those games and can get two wins in the Big Ten Tournament, they have a shot to be a bubble team and get into the Big Dance.

While March Madness is suddenly in reach, the Buckeyes have to stay focused on the end of the regular season. They still have to beat the Wolverines and the Scarlet Knights. This team has some momentum now. For the first time this season, this isn’t a team that you want to see. They are no longer an easy win for an opponent.

Even if Diebler doesn’t keep the job after the season, he’s shown that he has the chops to be a head coach at some point. He’s done very well in such a tough situation. This is as impressive of a win as this team has had all year.