The Panthers' defense was somewhat of a problem last year, but it appears this year Jamie Dixon can throw a couple different looks at an offense and come up with stops. Pittsburgh moved into an extended 2-3 zone and it was lights out for the Scarlet Knights.
(23) Ohio State 68, Iowa 65
Anyone remember last year when Jon Diebler, the former Mr. Basketball for the state of Ohio, couldn't put knock down a jumper from anywhere on the court? Well the Buckeye sophomore looks like he's starting to figure things out. Diebler dropped 27 against the Hawkeyes in a game OSU could never pull away in.
Iowa made things interesting in the second half, coming back to take the lead several times before the Buckeyes put the Hawkeyes to bed.
Other Notable Outcomes
Notre Dame 92, DePaul 82
Yes. Notre Dame can score. We all know that. Luke Harangody can't be stopped in the paint and Kyle McAlarney knocks down shots from the locker room.
But the defense needs to prove. Immediately.
DePaul shot 52 percent and turned the ball over just eight times. The Irish are in trouble when they'll tip-off with high efficient offensive teams like UConn, Georgetown, and Syracuse.
North Carolina 84, Nevada 61
Nevada played UNC tough for about 12 minutes. The Wolfpack promptly rolled over and kicked the bucket as the Tar Heels slowly stretched their lead to over 20 points for the majority of the second half. Tyler Hansbrough led Roy Williams' team with 22 points.
Michigan State 70, Minnesota 58
It appears as if Tubby Smith's team doesn't deserve its top 25 ranking. After playing a schedule full of gourmet cupcakes that included only one notable game (on a neutral court against Louisville who played two nights before in Cincinnati), the Golden Gophers couldn't hold home court against the Spartans.
The second half was a Kalin Lucas clinic. The sophomore point guard is the nation's most efficient point guard in terms of assist to turnover ratio, but on Wednesday, Lucas showed off his improving scoring touch. The Spartan floor general connected on half his shots en route to a game-high 24 points.
Memphis 80, Northeastern 48
Tyreke Evans found his groove, scoring 27 to get the Tigers back on the track.
Lehigh 66, NJIT 38
It's bad enough NJIT can't score, but the fact half the time the Highlanders can't even get out of the 30s is just pathetic.
Illinois State 80, Evansville 50
The Redbirds remain undefeated at 13-0 after blowing to pieces one the biggest surprises in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Houston Baptist 69, Howard 59
This is only notable because HBU was on pace to be this year's NJIT after opening the year 0-14.
Utah State 90, Wyoming 85 (OT)
The Aggies have just one loss entering conference play and considering the WAC is pretty weak this year, could enter the conference tournament with only two or three losses on the year. If Utah State trips up in its conference tournament, but only has three or four losses, the selection committee might have to include the Aggies in the tournament as an at-large team.
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