OSU Moves Into First Place in Big Ten Standings With Win Over Michigan

Ohio State jumped out to a quick 9-0 lead to start the game before sleep walking through most the first and second halves. This lack luster performance moved them into a tie in the Big Ten standings with Purdue.

The Buckeyes split the season series with the Wolverines with a 66-55 victory in front of 18,862 Buckeye faithful. Any time these two schools meet in any sport it’s a grudge match. Neither team was willing to give ground, making it hard for Ohio State to finish off Michigan, despite the teams' records going into the contest.

Evan Turner didn’t miss a shot until midway through the second half, and finished with 18 points and 11 rebounds. He was 8-11 on the day, and had a career high four blocks in the game. His presence on both sides of the court warrant the Player of the Year hype he’s been receiving this season.

William Buford had been a nice compliment to Turner all season. He’s been the most consistent scoring threat amongst the rest of the Buckeyes. Today was no different, as Buford had a game high 24 points and nine rebounds.

Turner and Buford carried the Buckeyes today when missed free throws and turnovers plagued the team. David Lighty went 3-8 from the charity stripe today, finishing with seven points and six rebounds. Jon Diebler wasn’t much better, going 1-7 from the field for three points.

Dallas Lauderdale continues to be a solid contributor on defense for the Buckeyes. He leads the Big Ten in blocks with 2.3 per game, and today had a huge one late in the second to help seal the win. He wasn’t only one dimensional today, however; he slammed home 14 points exciting the home crowd.

Ohio State shot 58 percent from the field today, but struggled from the line—especially in the second half. Poor free throw shooting will doom this team in the NCAA tournament; hopefully this doesn’t become a trend.

Ohio State (23-7) has one final regular season game, when it hosts Illinois (18-10) on Tuesday. The Buckeyes won the previous meeting in Champagne 72-53 two weeks ago. A win and the Buckeyes will have at least a tie of the Big Ten title this season.

Purdue and Michigan State will square off tomorrow, in what has almost become a Big Ten playoff this last month. The winner remains in the running for a regular season title; the looser begins preparations the Big Ten tournament.

Ohio State will be in the clubhouse watching the action after Tuesday, as the rest of the contenders still have several games remaining on their schedules.