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Sullinger Declares for 2012 NBA Draft

Jody Victor: Here’s some great Buckeye basketball news from osu.edu and OhioStateBuckeyes.com.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Jared Sullinger, a forward on the Ohio State men’s basketball team, has elected to make himself available for the 2012 National Basketball Association Draft. Sullinger made the announcement Wednesday at Value City Arena.

“Going to the Final Four with a team that many people said we weren’t good enough, weren’t strong enough, weren’t mentally tough enough, and still being able to get to the Final Four with all the ups and downs we had, I think that was tremendous for this basketball team,” Sullinger said Wednesday. “Once we got to the Final Four, we were trying to win it. But unfortunately, we fell short. I feel at peace with the decision I’m making.”

In two seasons at Ohio State, Sullinger scored 1,282 points (17.3 ppg.) and grabbed 717 rebounds (9.7 rpg.) He played in 74 career games, starting 73. His scoring total rates No. 29 all-time while his rebound total ranks No. 11 in Ohio State history.

His career point total is the third most in Ohio State history over the first two seasons of a career. Jerry Lucas scored 1,381 points in 1960 and 1961. Michael Redd tallied 1,361 in 1998 and 1999.

“I’ve always said he’s one of the most intellectual players I’ve ever coached,” OSU head coach Thad Matta said. “He came in that way as a freshman. The thing is that people don’t know he studies the game. Not only the college game, but the NBA game. He can tell you a lot about a lot of NBA issues. For him, the timing is definitely right.”

Sullinger earned numerous Big Ten and national honors during his time in Columbus. A two-time consensus first-team All-American, Sullinger was named the 2011 National and Big Ten Freshman of the Year and was a two-time first team All-Big Ten honoree.

The Buckeyes won 65 games over the last two seasons and claimed a pair of Big Ten regular-season titles while also advancing to the Big Ten tournament title game each year. The Buckeyes won the 2011 BTT and finished as the runner-up this season.

Sullinger led the Buckeyes to the 2011 NCAA Tournament “Sweet 16″ and most recently to the 2012 NCAA Final Four in New Orleans, the 10th Final Four appearance for Ohio State all-time.

Ohio State finished the 2012 campaign with a 31-8 overall record. 

Go Bucks!!!

Jody Victor

 

Ohio State Drops Series Finale at Michigan State

Jody Victor: Here’s some Buckeye baseball news from osu.edu and OhioStateBuckeyes.com.

EAST LANSING, Mich. – The Ohio State baseball team dropped its series finale at Michigan State, 10-5, Monday afternoon at McLane Stadium. With the loss, Ohio State falls to 14-12 on the season, 2-4 in Big Ten play, while Michigan State improves to 17-8, 2-1 in conference play.

The Buckeyes took the early 3-0 lead on three hits in the top of the first. Tim Wetzel singled to lead off the game, stole second and after a fly out by Ryan Cypret, advanced to third when Brad Hallberg struck out but reached on a wild pitch. Josh Dezse followed with an RBI single, then Patrick Porter notched an RBI double to deep right and David Corna plated Dezse with an RBI groundout.

However, Michigan State responded with an eight-run bottom of the first against Ohio State starter Brett McKinney. The Spartans used a double, four singles, three walks and a Buckeye error to take the 8-3 lead after one inning.

Ohio State tallied one in the top of the second when Kirby Pellant doubled to deep right with one out, moved to third on a wild pitch and scored on an RBI groundout by Wetzel to make it 8-4 Michigan State.

Michigan State then pushed the lead right back to five runs at 9-4 in the bottom of the third on three singles and an RBI groundout by Ryan Jones.

Ohio State answered with a run of its own to cut the lead to 9-5 in the top of the fifth. Hallberg walked with two out, Dezse followed with a single and then Porter plated Hallberg with an RBI single to left. Corna then singled to right to load the bases and chase Michigan State starter Mike Theodore in favor of reliever Jeff Kinley. Brad Hutton pinch-hit for Joe Ciamacco against the left-hander and hit the ball well but it was caught on the warning track in center by Anthony Cheky.

Both teams were then held scoreless until the Spartans pushed the lead to 10-5 in the bottom of the eighth when Torsten Boss tripled to right-center off Ohio State reliever Trace Dempsey and came around to score on an RBI double by Tony Wieber.

Dezse and Porter each had two hits for Ohio State while John Kuchno tossed 4.2 innings of relief, allowing one earned run.

Kinley picked up the win for Michigan State, tossing 4.1 scoreless innings of relief, allowing two hits and striking out six.

The Buckeyes travel to Oxford for a 6:30 p.m. game Wednesday against Miami (OH) before returning home for a three-game set against Minnesota over the weekend.

GAME NOTES
- The two teams combined for 15 runs after scoring a total of four over the first two contests.
- Josh Dezse tallied his seventh multi-hit game of the season while Patrick Porter added his third.

Go Bucks!!!

Jody Victor

Ohio State vs. Kansas Final Four Game Notes

Jody Victor: Here’s some great Buckeye Final Four basketball news from osu.edu  and OhioSateBuckeyes.com.

No. 2 seed Ohio State (31-7) vs. No. 2 seed Kansas (31-6)
National Semifinal
Date: Saturday, March 31 – 8:50 p.m. ET
Site: New Orleans, La., Mercedes-Benz Superdome (74,400)
Television: CBS Jim Nantz (Play by Play), Clark Kellogg (Expert Analysis), Steve Kerr (expert analysis), Tracy Wolfson (Sideline)
Radio: OSU-IMG Sports Network (56 stations)
Local Radio: WBNS FM-97.1 AM-1460
Radio Talent:Paul Keels (play-by-play), Ron Stokes (expert analysis)

Ohio State and The NCAA Tournament
This is Ohio State’s 24th appearance in the NCAA tournament. Overall, Ohio State has a 45-22 record all-time in NCAA tournament play. The Buckeyes have advanced to play in 10 Final Fours, have finished as the runner up four times (1939, 1961, 1962, 2007) and own one title (1960). Ohio State has finished third four times (1944, 1945, 1946, 1968). The Buckeyes have played in three-consecutive NCAA “Sweet 16s,” a feat last accomplished from 1960-62. Ohio State has made 14 “Sweet 16″ appearances in NCAA Tournament play and has 11 “Elite Eight” appearances.

The 2012 NCAA Tournament
The  No. 2-seeded Buckeyes entered the 2012 NCAA Tournament after a 2-1 record in the 2012 Big Ten Tournament in Indianapolis. Thad Matta, in his eighth year as head coach, has taken the Buckeyes to six NCAA tournaments during his time in Columbus, including a title game appearance in 2007.  

Ohio State enters the 2012 NCAA Final Four with a 31-7 overall record and as co-champions of the Big Ten with a 13-5 regular season record. Ohio State has won 20 Big Ten titles and is making its 24th appearance in the NCAA tournament.

Ohio State vs. Kansas
Ohio State is 3-5 against Kansas all-time. The Buckeyes last played Kansas Dec. 10, 2011 in Lawrence. That game pitted a pair of ranked teams with No. 2 Ohio State falling to the No. 13 Jayhawks 78-67. The Buckeyes are 18-21 all-time vs. teams representing the current alignment of Big 12 teams. Only Baylor has never faced the Buckeyes previously.

Last Time vs. Kansas
No. 13 Kansas 78, No. 2 Ohio State 67
Dec. 10, 2011, Lawrence, Kan.
Thomas Robinson scored 21 points, Elijah Johnson added 15 and No. 13 Kansas never trailed in a 78-67 victory over second-ranked Ohio State, which played without forward Jared Sullinger, who was out with back spasms. KU freshman forward Kevin Young came off the bench to score a career-high 14 points and Tyshawn Taylor had nine points and a career-best 13 assists for the Jayhawks. William Buford had 17 of his 21 points in the second half for Ohio State, which was playing on the road for the first time this season. Deshaun Thomas added 19 points. The Buckeyes were missing Sullinger, a preseason All-American, for the second straight game. It was a big loss for the Buckeyes. Not only, at the time,  did Sullinger average better than 19 points and 10 rebounds, he also would have been tasked with guarding Robinson, another All-America candidate. Robinson was quiet much of the first half, but he came through down the stretch, scoring 10 of his points in the final four minutes to help wrap up the win. Kansas wound up shooting 58.3 percent from the field, while the Buckeyes made 39 percent.

Late Nights with the Buckeyes
The 8:50 p.m. ET tip time vs. Kansas Saturday marks the 15th time this season Ohio State tipped at 8:30 p.m. or later. Eight of those contests have been on the road or on a neutral court. The Buckeyes are 12-2 in late night starts, 5-2 away from Columbus heading into the Final Four.  

Buckeyes in the 2012 NCAA Tournament
Five Buckeyes average in double figures in the four wins in NCAA tournament play this year. Sophomore Deshaun Thomas averages 21.8 points and 8.5 rebounds. He has connected on 52 percent of his shots from the field (35-67), blocked five shots and has made 10 of 12 foul shots (.833). Jared Sullinger averages 18 points in the four NCAA wins while adding 8.3 rebounds. William Buford contributes 11.8 points while Lenzelle Smith Jr. (11.3 ppg) and Aaron Craft (10.3 ppg) also contribute double-figure scoring. Craft has handed out 23 assists and recorded 13 steals while scoring on 52 percent of his shots (11-21). Smith  has picked up his offensive game as well with 7 of 15 accuracy from 3-point range (.467) and 14 of 26 shooting overall (.538). He also has knocked down 10 of 14 foul shots (.714).

Thomas, Sullinger Step up in March
In six postseason games this season, Ohio State is 6-1 with the loss coming in the 2012 Big Ten Tournament title game to Michigan State, 68-64. Deshaun Thomas is averaging 20.3 points with Jared Sullinger adding 21.8 points a game. Thomas is making 54 percent of his field goals (58-107). Sullinger is shooting at a 52 percent clip (49-95). William Buford contributes 11.3 ppg. Aaron Craft has dished out 38 assists, recorded 3 blocks and has 20 steals. As a team, the Buckeyes are making 74 percent of their foul shots (115-156).

Craft Sets Ohio State Steals Record
With three steals in the third-round win over Gonzaga, Aaron Craft recorded his 88th theft of the season, breaking the record of 87 steals set by Mike Conley Jr. in 2007. Craft has 168 career steals in just two seasons, good for No. 3 all-time on the career steals chart. Jay Burson is the career leader with 204 from 1986-89. David Lighty (2007-11) is No. 2 with 191.

Sullinger selected 2012 AP All-American
Jared Sullinger was named a 2012 Associated Press First Team All-American, the organization announced March 26. Sullinger was selected a first team honoree as a freshman as well. Ohio State has had a member of the AP first team in each of the last three seasons. Evan Turner was so honored in 2010.

Sullinger selected USBWA All-American
Jared Sullinger was selected by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association as a 2012 First Team All-American, the second-consecutive year the organization selected Sullinger for the honor. Ohio State has had a USBWA first team All-American in each of the last three seasons. Evan Turner was so honored as a junior in 2010.

Go Bucks!!!

Jody Victor

Buckeyes Bound for Beantown

Jody Victor: Here’s some great Buckeye basketball news from osu.edu and OhioStateBuckeyes.com.

Date: March 22, 2012
No. 2 seed Ohio State Buckeyes (29-7) vs. No. 6 seed Cincinnati Bearcats (26-10)
Site: TD Garden (18,624)
Game Time: 9:45 p.m. ET
Television: CBS
Talent: Verne Lundquist (Play by Play)
           Bill Raftery (Expert Analysis)
           Lesley Visser (Sideline)
Radio: OSU-IMG Sports Network (56 stations)
Local Radio: WBNS FM-97.1 AM-1460
Radio Talent: Paul Keels (play-by-play)
                    Ron Stokes (expert analysis)

Ohio State and THE NCAA TOURNAMENT
This is Ohio State’s 24th appearance in the NCAA tournament. Overall, Ohio State has a 43-22 record all-time in NCAA tournament play. The Buckeyes have advanced to play in nine Final Fours, have finished as the runner up four times (1939, 1961, 1962, 2007) and own one title (1960). Ohio State has finished third four times (1944, 1945, 1946, 1968). The Buckeyes have played in three-consecutive NCAA “Sweet 16s,” a feat last accomplished from 1960-62. The Buckeyes have made 14 “Sweet 16″ appearances in NCAA Tournament play.

The 2012 NCAA Tournament
The  No. 2-seeded Buckeyes entered the 2012 NCAA Tournament after a 2-1 record in the 2012 Big Ten Tournament in Indianapolis. Thad Matta, in his eighth year as head coach, has taken the Buckeyes to six NCAA tournaments during his time in Columbus, including a title game appearance in 2007.
    Ohio State enters the 2012 NCAA East Regional Semifinal with a 29-7 overall record and as co-champions of the Big Ten with a 13-5 regular season record. Ohio State has won 20 Big Ten titles and is making its 24th appearance in the NCAA tournament.

Late Night with the Buckeyes
The 9:45 p.m. ET tip time vs. Cincinnati Thursday marks the 14th time this season Ohio State tipped at 8:30 p.m. or later. Seven of those contests have been on the road or on a neutral court. The Buckeyes are 11-2 in late night starts, 4-2 away from Columbus.  

The Buckeyes in NCAA 2nd/3rd Games
Four Buckeyes averaged in double figures in the NCAA Second and Third Round wins in Pittsburgh last week. Sophomore Deshaun Thomas averaged 24.5 points and 9.5 rebounds. He connected on 54 percent of his shots from the field (20-37), handed out a pair of assists, blocked four shots and made 5 of 6 foul shots (.833.). William Buford and Jared Sullinger averaged 15 points in the wins and Aaron Craft contributed 12.5 ppg. Sullinger pitched in with 7.5 rebounds and Lenzelle Smith added 6.5 boards a game. Craft was 8 for 11 from the field (.727) and recorded 14 assists and six steals. Sullinger made 9 of 11 foul shots (.818) and Buford made 7 of 8 free throws (.875). The starting unit made 32-38 from the charity stripe (.842).

Thomas, Sullinger Step up in March
In five postseason games this season, Ohio State is 4-1 with the loss coming in the 2012 Big Ten Tournament title game to Michigan State, 68-64. Deshaun Thomas is averaging 20.8 points with Jared Sullinger adding 20.4 points a game. Thomas is making 56 percent of his field goals (43-77). Sullinger is shooting at a 51 percent clip (37-73). Aaron Craft is shooting 59 percent (20-34) to average 10.2 points. William Buford contributes 12.4 ppg. Craft has dished out 29 assists, recorded 3 blocks and has 13 steals. As a team, the Buckeyes are making 75 percent of their foul shots (65-87).

Craft sets Ohio State steals record
With three steals in the win over Gonzaga, Aaron Craft recorded his 88th theft of the season, breaking the record of 87 steals set by Mike Conley Jr. in 2007. Craft has 161 career steals in just two seasons, good for the No. 4 all-time on the career steals chart. Dennis Hopson owns the No. 3 spot with 164. Jay Burson is the career leader with 204 from 1986-89. David Lighty (2007-11) is No. 2 with 191.

Sullinger Selected USBWA All-American
Jared Sullinger was selected by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association as a 2012 First Team All-American, the second-consecutive year the organization selected Sullinger for the honor. Ohio State has had a USBWA first team All-American in each of the last three seasons. Evan Turner was so honored as a junior in 2010.

Ohio State in the 2012 Big Ten Tourney
Jared Sullinger and Deshaun Thomas were named to the 2012 All-Big Tournament Team after leading the Buckeyes to the title game, Ohio State’s fourth-consecutive trip to the championship contest and the sixth in eight years for Thad Matta. Sullinger averaged 24 points and nine rebounds while Thomas contributed 18.3 points and 6.3 boards. Sullinger made 28 of 50 shots from the field (.560) and knocked down 14 of 16 foul shots (.875). Thomas scored on 23 of 40 shots (.575). Aaron Craft recorded 15 assists and seven steals while averaging 8.7 points. Senior William Buford, who played in his fourth title game, averaged 10.7 points.  

Buckeyes vs. Cincinnati
Ohio State is 5-4 in the all-time series vs. Cincinnati. The Buckeyes won the most recent meeting 72-50 Dec. 16, 2006 in the 2006 Wooden Tradition. That game was played on a neutral court in Indianapolis. The Bearcats own two wins vs. the Buckeyes in NCAA tournament play, both in the NCAA title game in 1961 and 1962.

Jody Victor

Buckeyes Begin NCAA Tournament in Pittsburgh

Jody Victor: Here’s some great Buckeye basketball news from osu.edu and OhioStateBuckeyes.com.

2012 Postseason Guide
Date: March 15, 2012
No. 2 Seed Ohio State (27-7) vs. No. 15 Seed Loyola University Maryland (24-8)

Site: Consol Energy Center (19,000)
Game Time: 9:45 p.m. ET
Television: TNT
Talent: Kevin Harlan (Play by Play)
Len Elmore & Reggie Miller (Expert Analysis)
Marty Snider (Sideline)
Radio: OSU-IMG Sports Network (56 stations)
Local Radio: WBNS FM-97.1 AM-1460
Radio Talent: Paul Keels (play-by-play)
Ron Stokes (expert analysis)

 

Ohio State and The NCAA Tournament
This is Ohio State’s 24th appearances in the NCAA tournament. Overall, Ohio State has a 41-22 record all-time in NCAA tournament play. The Buckeyes have advanced to play in nine Final Fours, have finished as the runner up four times (1939, 1961, 1962, 2007) and own one title (1960). Ohio State has finished third four times (1944, 1945, 1946, 1968). The Buckeyes have played in two-consecutive NCAA “Sweet 16s,” a feat last accomplished in 1991, 1992. The Buckeyes have made 13 “Sweet 16″ appearances in NCAA Tournament play.

The 2012 NCAA Tournament
The No. 2-seeded Buckeyes enter the 2012 NCAA Tournament after a 2-1 record in the 2012 Big Big Ten Tournament in Indianapolis. Thad Matta, in his eighth year as head coach, has taken the Buckeyes to six NCAA tournaments during his time in Columbus, including a title game appearance in 2007.

Ohio State enters the 2012 NCAA event with a 27-7 overall record and as co-champions of the Big Ten with a 13-5 regular season record. Ohio State has won 20 Big Ten titles and is making its 24th appearance in the NCAA tournament.

Ohio State vs. 2012 NCAA Field 551-486 (531)
Ohio State vs. East Region 119-84 (.586)
Ohio State vs. West Region 101-91 (.526)
Ohio State vs. South Region 112-124 (.475)
Ohio State vs. Midwest Region 219-187 (.539)
2012 Ohio State Opponents in NCAA Field 9 (10-6 rcd.)

EAST: Wisconsin (1-1); WEST: Michigan State (1-2), Florida (1-0); SOUTH: Duke (1-0), Indiana (1-1); MIDWEST: Kansas (0-1), Michigan (2-1), Purdue (2-0), Lamar (1-0).

Go Bucks!!!

Jody Victor