Ohio State Men's Basketball: Buckeyes Survive Northwestern's Upset Bid

1 - 29 - 11     at Northwestern     W, 58-57     22 - 0

     Northwestern's hopes of upsetting Ohio State were dealt a severe blow when John Shurna, the Wildcats' leading scorer, failed his post-concussion test a few hours prior to the opening tip-off.

     However, the Cats did not simply roll over and die.  Instead, they put a major scare into the Buckeyes and nearly emerged with a stunning victory.

     The 1st half was a nip-and-tuck affair, but, early in the 2nd half, Ohio State built up a 13-point lead, and it appeared as if the Buckeyes were going to roll to their 22nd consecutive win.

     Northwestern, though, made a furious comeback in the closing minutes, evening the score at 57.

     With less than 30 seconds remaining in regulation, David Lighty produced a key steal, giving Ohio State a chance to take the lead.  Aaron Craft set up the offense in the frontcourt, and the basketball eventually found its way into the hands of Jared Sullinger.  Sullinger drove to the basket and drew a hard foul as he attempted a short, right-handed shot.  Sullinger's 1st free throw missed badly, but he calmly sank the 2nd one.                 



Alex Marcotullio fouls Sullinger in the closing seconds

      Drew Crawford's ensuing halfcourt heave was off the mark, and the Buckeyes had escaped.

     In addition to his late-game heroics, Sullinger also scored 21 points and grabbed 8 rebounds.