Ohio State Men's Basketball: Buckeyes Win Conference Tourney

3-13-11     vs. Penn State     W, 71-60     32-2

     Ohio State captured its 2nd consecutive Big Ten tournament championship on Sunday afternoon as the Buckeyes overpowered Penn State, 71-60.

     In order to reach the title match, PSU was forced to win 3 games, 2 of which were surprising upsets, in 3 days.  As a result, the Nittany Lions did not have enough remaining energy to stun the heavily favored Buckeyes.

     Thad Matta's squad was less than impressive in the 1st half, but Jon Diebler erased the poor start moments before the intermission.  Leading 26-23, Ohio State hurriedly placed the ball in Diebler's hands.  The senior guard quickly created space behind the 3-point arc and lofted a buzzer beating dagger.

     The Nits never recovered from Diebler's heroics, and the Buckeyes maintained a double-digit lead throughout the majority of the 2nd half.

     William Buford's 18 points led OSU, and it was his timely 3-pointer early in the 2nd stanza that sparked a critical 8-0 run.

     Jared Sullinger, the tourney's most outstanding player, chipped in 15 points and 11 rebounds.  Sullinger averaged 16 points and 15 boards during the tournament.

Jared Sullinger: The Big Ten Tourney's MOP

     Diebler's clutch 3 highlighted what was a 16-point outburst for the greatest long range shooter in Big Ten history.

     Taylor Battle's 24 points made him the game's high-point man, but the 2nd team all-conference performer never received the assistance he so desperately needed.

     Shortly after the victory, the Buckeyes were rewarded with the number 1 overall seed in the NCAA tournament.  Ohio State will play either Texas-San Antonio or Alabama State on Friday in Cleveland.