The Buckeyes Survive and Advance
Image via ESPN/AP photo
The 10th seeded Ohio State Buckeyes upset the VCU Rams in the round of 64 of the NCAA Tournament.
The Buckeyes were led by star freshman D’Angelo Russell, who tallied 28 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks. Russell went 10-20 from the field, including 4-7 from 3-point range.
Ohio State’s winning effort did not come without adversity, as the Buckeyes found themselves down 12 points early in the first half. But, from the help of a 16-5 run before half time, Ohio State found themselves down by one at the half. The Buckeyes would then tie the game at the beginning of the second half.
That’s where the game chased pace, as both teams exchanged leads throughout the half, with neither team having a lead above five points. VCU found themselves up 66-64 with 1:33 left after Melvin Johnson hit three straight 3-pointers. But Ohio State wasted no time tying the game, as Amir Williams’ dunk knotted the game up a 66. The score stayed like that for the rest of the second half, and the game went into overtime.
That’s where Ohio State spaced themselves away from VCU. After D’Angelo Russell tied the game at 68, the Buckeyes took over and took the victory, 75-72.
The win advances Ohio State to the round of 32, where they take on the 2 seed, Arizona. The Buckeyes take on the Wildcats on Saturday, for a chance to go to the Sweet 16. It will be the battle of the freshman stars, as OSU’s D’Angelo Russell will go head-to-head with Arizona’s Stanley Johnson.
