Christian Welp Tribute:: The University of Washington will posthumously honor Christian Welp by raising his retired No. 40 jersey into the rafters during halftime. Welp, who passed away in 2015, remains the Huskies' all-time leading scorer with 2,073 points.
Buckeyes' West Coast Trip:: Ohio State is aiming for a two-game sweep on their West Coast trip after defeating Oregon 72-62. Key players for the Buckeyes include Devin Royal and Christoph Tilly, who both scored 14 points in the win against Oregon.
Huskies' Struggle:: Washington is looking to rebound after recent losses to Indiana and Purdue. The team has been dealing with injuries, including that of guard Wesley Yates III, their second-leading scorer.
Matchup to Watch:: The game features a compelling point guard battle between Ohio State's Bruce Thornton and Washington's Zoom Diallo. Diallo, a former McDonald's All-American, is a key player for the Huskies.
Betting Odds:: As of January 11, 2026, Washington is favored by 1.5 points. However, predictions lean towards an Ohio State victory with a final score around 76-72.
The Ohio State Buckeyes are coming off a strong win against Oregon, where five players scored in double figures, showcasing their offensive depth. The Washington Huskies, on the other hand, are struggling to find consistency, particularly with injuries impacting their lineup. This game marks the third of four Ohio State games to be broadcast on Peacock.
Ohio State Buckeyes:
The Buckeyes are led by Bruce Thornton, who has started 117 games and accumulated 1,787 career points. Their offense is balanced, with multiple players capable of scoring in double digits. Gabe Cupps' recent performance off the bench provides a boost to their depth.
Washington Huskies:
The Huskies are coached by Danny Sprinkle and feature standout freshman Hannes Steinbach, who is averaging 18.2 points and 11.2 rebounds. Zoom Diallo, a highly-regarded point guard, is another key player. Injuries to Wesley Yates III and others have hampered their performance.
The game will likely hinge on the performance of Ohio State's Bruce Thornton against Washington's Zoom Diallo. Christoph Tilly's ability to contain Hannes Steinbach will also be crucial. The Buckeyes' defense, which performed well against Oregon, will need to replicate that effort against a Huskies team eager to bounce back.
Washington leads the all-time series 8-5, but Ohio State won their first Big Ten game last year 93-69. The Huskies have a 6-0 record in games played in Seattle, adding extra pressure on the Buckeyes to break that streak.
For Ohio State, maintaining defensive intensity and leveraging their balanced scoring will be key. Washington needs Zoom Diallo and Hannes Steinbach to perform at their best, while also finding contributions from their bench players.
Q: Who was Christian Welp?
Christian Welp was the all-time leading scorer for the University of Washington men's basketball team. He died in 2015 and is being honored by the team.
Q: What is Ohio State's record this season?
Ohio State's record is 11-4 overall and 3-2 in Big Ten play.
Q: Where is the game being played?
The game is being played at Alaska Airlines Arena in Seattle, Washington.
This game is significant for several reasons. It's an opportunity for Ohio State to secure a valuable road win and improve their conference record. For Washington, it's a chance to turn their season around and honor one of their greatest players. The Christian Welp tribute adds an emotional element to the game, celebrating his legacy and contributions to the University of Washington basketball program.
Do you think Ohio State can complete the sweep on their West Coast trip? Let us know in the comments!
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