Preview: Minnesota at Ohio State Men’s Basketball COLUMBUS, Ohio (Interstat) — The Ohio State Buckeyes look to continue their strong home-court advantage when they host the struggling Minnesota Golden Gophers in a Big Ten Conference matchup Tuesday night at Value City Arena. Ohio State (12-5 overall) enters with momentum after an 86-74 victory over UCLA on Saturday, powered by a 28-point performance from guard John Mobley. The Buckeyes are 9-1 at home this season. Mobley has been a consistent offensive force, averaging 16.3 points over his last six games, though his production can fluctuate, as seen in a 3-point outing at Washington on Jan. 11. Minnesota (10-8) seeks to halt a three-game skid, all coming by narrow margins. The Gophers fell 77-67 at Illinois on Saturday despite 22 points and eight rebounds from forward Jaylen Crocker-Johnson. The junior has been their most reliable scorer, averaging 15.8 points over the last six contests, including a 20-point effort in a 78-75 loss to Wisconsin on Jan. 13. The matchup features two teams trending in opposite directions within conference play. Ohio State has won three of its last four, while Minnesota has lost four of its last five after starting the season 9-4. The Gophers’ defense, which allowed 77 points to Illinois, will face a significant test against an Ohio State offense that has scored 80 or more points in three of its last five games. Beyond Mobley, the Buckeyes boast balance, with Devin Royal (22 points, nine rebounds vs. UCLA) and Bruce Thornton providing consistent support. Minnesota will need more secondary scoring behind Crocker-Johnson; Cade Tyson (15 points, eight rebounds vs. Illinois) and Isaac Asuma are key contributors. Ohio State holds a decisive historical edge at home in the series. The game is the only scheduled meeting between the teams this regular season. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. EST. Ohio State visits Michigan on Friday. Minnesota hosts Nebraska on Saturday.