The Buckeyes got it done 75-66. Evan Turner played pretty well, with 24 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists The Bucks were slow out of the gate as they often are, but so was Georgia Tech. Both combined for a crazy amount of turnovers in the first half alone. With Georgia Tech taking a 14-6 lead, and double teaming the Villian every time he touched the ball, with his childhood friend Iman Shumpert and Glen Rice Jr. Favors and Lawal got into foul trouble early and the Buckeyes were in attack mode from then on, being led by Turner.
In the second half the Bucks bust it open with Diebler getting hot and Lighty playing out of his mind once again. This was a big game for the Buckeyes and I like their chances against the Vols next week. With everything happening, I could see myself putting money on an all Big Ten Regional Final. Jon Diebler, who became hot from beyond the arc about half way through the game, added 20 points and David Lighty had 18 for the Buckeyes. Evan Turner led his team in all statistical groups, really willing this team to victory. It made it even sweeter when the Buckeye team came together to follow suit behind Turner, and rally for the win. This just goes to show that the Buckeyes can compete with the big boys, and with mammoth power Kansas already taken care of, things are looking up for the Bucks. With No. 1 Kansas, No. 3 Georgetown, and No. 4 Maryland all eliminated, Ohio State has its best chance of returning to the Final Four since Greg Oden and Mike Conley Jr. took the Buckeyes there in 2007. Ohio State faces sixth-seeded Tennessee on Friday night in St. Louis in a Midwest Regional semifinal, which should be a great game. It's going to be tough, as Tennessee plays very consistent ball, and they know that past Ohio State, the road is much smoother.
The battle for the Sweet 16.
