Buckeyes Welcome Minnesota for Sole Tuesday Matchup This Year
On January 20, 2026, the Ohio State Buckeyes will host the Minnesota Golden Gophers for a critical men’s basketball matchup. This game, set to tip-off at 6:30 p.m., will take place at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio. Fans can catch the action live on BTN or listen to the Ohio State Radio Network from Learfield.
Buckeyes vs. Golden Gophers: A Rivalry Renewed
This meeting marks the 160th encounter between these two teams, with Ohio State leading the series 92-62. The Buckeyes have enjoyed success at home, boasting a 14-2 record against Minnesota at the Schottenstein Center. However, they have faced challenges recently, having lost twice on their home court to the Gophers within the last five years.
Previous Encounter
Last year, the Buckeyes and Gophers contested a thrilling single match that concluded in double overtime. Ohio State emerged victorious with an 89-88 scoreline, thanks in large part to Devin Royal’s impressive dunk that clinched a late comeback. Five Buckeye players scored in double digits, with Royal leading the charge at 19 points.
Recent Performance
The Buckeyes are riding high after a strong performance against UCLA, finishing with an 86-74 victory. Key players included:
- John Mobley Jr.: Scored a career-high 28 points, including six three-pointers.
- Devin Royal: Added 22 points and nine rebounds.
- Bruce Thornton: Contributed with 21 points and eight rebounds.
Thornton is one of only four players nationally averaging 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. His scoring average of 20.5 points ranks third in the Big Ten. Additionally, with 1,836 career points, he is seventh on Ohio State’s all-time scoring list.
Player Highlights
Several notable players for the Buckeyes include:
- Christoph Tilly: Approaching a career milestone with only seven points needed to reach 1,000.
- Mobley Jr.: Has made a three-pointer in every game this season, with a total of 48 made this year.
- Royal: Currently on a career-long streak, scoring 10 or more points in 13 consecutive games.
Minnesota’s Season Overview
On the other hand, Minnesota enters this matchup with a record of 10-8, placing them a game behind the Buckeyes in the Big Ten standings at 3-4. The Gophers began the year strong, winning five consecutive games but have struggled recently with three consecutive losses.
They excel in ball control, averaging just 6.0 turnovers per game, ranking among the top 15 teams nationally in this statistic.
This matchup promises to be a competitive clash as Ohio State aims to continue its strong home performance while Minnesota seeks to rebound from its recent slump.
