Buckeyes game against Nebraska postponed

COLUMBUS – Well, here we are again. Ohio State basketball has once more had a scheduled game that is being put on hold due to a Covid-19 outbreak.

The Buckeyes game against Nebraska on Saturday has been postponed, and no makeup date has been announced. Ohio State is not planning on scheduling another game this week in its place.

Nebraska announced on Thursday that it has fallen below the Big Ten roster minimum of seven scholarship players due to health and safety protocols.

Ohio State, Nebraska and the Big Ten will be looking to reschedule the game for a later date.

The Buckeyes went nearly a month without playing a game due to Covid-19 outbreaks either within their own team or their opponents. Ohio State defeated Wisconsin on Dec. 11, but it had its following three games cancelled against non-conference foes Kentucky, Tennessee-Martin and New Orleans.

“In some ways, it can be a frustrating thing,” Ohio State coach Chris Holtmann said earlier this month when asked about the cancellations. “And yet, at the same time, I think you just hope that the numbers continue to go down and we’re able to get back to a regular environment at home. But, obviously, I know our university officials and medical staff are looking and making sure that safety is at a premium.”

Ohio State resumed game action on Jan. 2 against Nebraska after the long layoff, and it finally seemed to be gaining some momentum and rhythm.

The Buckeyes beat the Cornhuskers and Northwestern while losing to Indiana and Wisconsin over the first two weeks of January, and they put together a modest two-game win streak with wins over Penn State and IUPUI this week. This weekend’s game against Nebraska was an opportunity for a third straight victory and another step in getting their season back to normal.

But that will now have to wait. The next scheduled opponents for Ohio State are Minnesota on Thursday in a road matchup and Jan. 30 on the road against Purdue.