If you're interested in Big Ten basketball, Columbus has two big matchups early next month. On Feb. 3, Penn State clashes with Ohio State at Value City Arena. The Lions look to bounce back from a devastating loss to Michigan. But will Penn State's defense be able to shut down Evan Turner and Ohio State's explosive offense?

Turner could be a lottery pick in this year's NBA draft. The junior registered eight points, five assists and four rebounds in 20 minutes of a 79-54 victory over Indiana on Jan. 6. It was his first game since breaking two bones in his back on a dunk attempt against Eastern Michigan on Dec. 5.

After missing six games because of a back injury, Ohio State trainers and doctors gave Turner the green light to return to the lineup. On Jan. 4, Ohio State coach Thad Matta said he didn't know when Turner would return, but the junior was in the starting lineup two days later. Turner, a potential All-American, said, "I just knew I'm not missing that much time and I'll be back early."

College teams don't have to reveal information about injuries if they don't want to. That opens the door for speculation if a player thought to be injured is actually ready to play. And it gives coaches and medical personnel opportunities to make last-second decisions that can have a huge impact on a game. Buckeyes senior forward David Lighty noted that "[The Hoosiers] probably weren't prepared for [Turner's return] … it probably messed up their game plan." Penn State should be prepared for Turner and the Buckeyes.

If you're interested in another Big Ten matchup in Columbus, check out Iowa versus Ohio State on Feb. 7 at Value City Arena. Although the Hawkeyes started the season 5-10, coach Todd Lickliter mentioned some statistics where his team has improved compared to last season. The coach said, "I think our strength of schedule is eleventh in the nation now, so the competition level is really high, but our productivity is actually higher this year than it was a year ago." He added that his team has more possessions per game than last season and they are scoring more-two point goals.

Hockey has been one of the biggest sports in Columbus for the past few years. Don't miss the chance to see the Buffalo Sabres face off against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Feb. 6 at Nationwide Arena. Get Nationwide Arena tickets and see the Blue Jackets defeat their opponents at the next home game. The Jackets recently secured a 3-2 victory over the Calgary Flames. Mathieu Garon made 20 saves while Antoine Vermette had a goal and two assists for Columbus. Jan Hejda also scores and Raffi Torres added a goal and an assist.

Even though the Blue Jackets are 10 points out of a playoff spot in the Western Conference, Columbus coach Ken Hitchcock remains confident. The coach told the press, "If we can keep playing well and get this thing to .500 then we have the big home schedule in February, March, and April, we can still do some damage." Will the Sabres be one of the teams that face the damage in February?

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