March Madness Results 2012: Ohio State Looks Unfazed Heading into Third Round
The Ohio State Buckeyes didn't have much of a challenge in Loyola-Maryland, but they came out of the second round with a convincing 78-59 victory that will propel them into their third-round matchup with the Gonzaga Bulldogs.
Sophomore forward Deshaun Thomas led the attack against the Greyhounds, as he went 13-22 from the field with 31 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks.
If Thomas can continue to play at this high level throughout the tournament, the team will have two of the stronger forward combinations in the league with Jared Sullinger in the lineup as well.
Gonzaga is definitely tough competition, but the Buckeyes are definitely carrying momentum and peaking at just the right time. Especially after how they played in the Big Ten tournament against some of the better teams in the conference.
Thad Matta and Co. will be tested by the Bulldogs, but Ohio State didn't trip up at all like other top teams did. The Syracuse Orange nearly fell to UNC Asheville, while the Missouri Tigers fell to Norfolk State.
The Buckeyes will need to continue to play their style of basketball, which will continue to allow them to dominate the time of possession and game.
They will also need to continue to dominate the boards, as they out-rebounded Loyola-Maryland 46-23. If they can continue to run the glass like that, there is no telling what kind of destruction they can continue to have.
The Buckeyes will be in control of their fate, and if they can keep playing like they have, they will be one tough team to knock off.
