Ohio State Survives Scare from Michigan with Heroics from Evan Turner

Evan Turner’s first 15 points and 39 minutes and 57 seconds were part of another ho-hum performance from the Buckeyes star player.

His last three points and three seconds are something that Buckeye fans will remember for a long time.

Turner threw up a 37-foot Hail Mary with several tenths left on the clock after taking the in bounds with 2.2 seconds remaining. That prayer was answered as Ohio State once again beat Michigan, this time 69-68 in dramatic fashion.

Turner was named Big Ten Player of the Year and earned his award today. It wasn’t only in scoring today that Turner showed why he’s so important; his eight assists helped keep the Buckeyes in it in the second half as Michigan caught fire.

The Buckeyes took a 35-25 lead into half, but watched it fade away as Manny Harris put on a clinic. Michigan (15-17) outscored Ohio State 43-34 in the second half, mostly to Harris’ 26 points.

DeShawn Sims and Stu Douglas gave Harris some support by chipping in 16 points a piece. Michigan shot 49 percent on the game, including a 38 percent mark from beyond the arc. They had no trouble at the free throw line either, going 12-14.

Ohio State looked as if it would cruise to another victory with the way they closed the first half. The lack of intensity in the second half killed this Buckeye team once again. Whether it's tiredness from too many minutes or lack of focus, this team needs to solve its second half woes quickly.

David Lighty’s 15 points helped pace the Buckeyes throughout the game, and Jon Diebler's 11 points came mostly from perimeter shooting that Ohio State desperately needed.

William Buford continues to step up and has become the Buckeyes go-to guy when Turner draws the double team. He finished with 15 points on the day.

Dallas Lauderdale finished with 2 points and four fouls, giving teams a blueprint on how to beat the Buckeyes: Get the big man in foul trouble and the paint will open like Moses and the Red Sea. Ohio State has to keep Lauderdale’s fouls under control if they have any shot at going deep into the NCAA tournament this season.

Ohio State (25-7) will wait to see who they play out of the Wisconsin vs. Illinois matchup going on this afternoon. After the way the Buckeyes played in the second half either team will pose a serious challenge, especially the Badgers.