Ohio State's Malaki Branham Scores Career-High 21 Points In First Half At Nebraska

The freshman guard accounted for all but 13 of the Buckeyes’ first-half points.

Spencer German | Jan 2, 2022

Ohio State freshman guard Malaki Branham brought whole new meaning to the phrase "new year, new me," putting up a career-high 21 points in the first half against Nebraska on Sunday evening.

Branham entered the night averaging just over six points per game so the offensive explosion is impressive especially considering the Buckeyes are fresh off a two-week layoff due to COVID-19 issues.

The young guard eclipsed his previous single-game high by 10 points already and will look to add to it in the second half.

In a first half marred by bad shooting early and eight turnovers, Branham served as the one bright spot, accounting for all but 13 of the Buckeyes points. The former Mr. Basketball for the state of Ohio was a red hot 8-of-12 from the floor and 5-of-8 from three.

Jamari Wheeler comes in next with five points for Ohio State, while E.J. Liddell, Zed Key and Cedric Russell combined for eight points to give the Buckeyes a 34-32 lead.

-----

Be sure to check out our new message boards, Buckeye Forums. We'd love to have you part of the conversation during the season.

-----

You may also like:

Ohio State Forward Kyle Young Unavailable Against Nebraska Due To Non-COVID Illness

Ohio State Moves Up To No. 13 In Latest AP Top 25 Men’s Basketball Poll

Ohio State's Dec. 28 Game Against New Orleans Cancelled Due To COVID-19

Former Ohio State F Keita Bates-Diop’s Career Night Leads Spurs Past Lakers

Ohio State Moves Up To No. 14 In Latest AP Top 25 Men’s Basketball Poll

-----

Be sure to stay locked into BuckeyesNow all the time!

Join the BuckeyesNow community!
Subscribe to the BuckeyesNow YouTube channel
Follow Andrew on Twitter: @Spencito_
Follow BuckeyesNow on Twitter: @BuckeyesNowSI