NIT Second Round
Buckeyes: 73
California: 56
The Buckeyes, with a raucous, sell-out crowd at old St. John Arena backing them, went on a 24-4 run that carried from late in the first half until early in the second half, and never looked back. The Buckeyes dug out of an early slump and five-point deficit behind 20 points from Jamar Butler, 17 from Kosta Koufos and 11 points and 16 rebounds by Othello Hunter. They scored 20 points off of turnovers and also outscored Cal 17-8 in second chance points, a category the Bucks had struggled in all season. For the second straight game, every Buckeye got playing time.
Analysis: The whole radio crew was completely mesmerized by the noise and atmosphere at St. John Arena. The sell-out crowd was deafening from start to finish, creating a much different and more intimate and passionate environment than those seen at the Schott. It was difficult to hear the person next to you. Simply put, it was the perfect atmosphere for a college basketball game. At the end of the game, they announced the next game would be played Wednesday back at the Schott, and you could hear a collective groan go up throughout the crowd. There was no absence of standing ovations and ear-splitting cheers for the team on every hustle play or big score.
As far as the play, Butler started relatively cold, but once he hit one three, St. John turned into soak city, as he drained three straight to throw the place into a frenzy. Koufos was outstanding; he clearly does a better job against weaker big men, but the tough, physical mentality is one he should have even against tougher matchups. Hunter was a beast, swallowing up rebounds like a vacuum. David Lighty was all over the place on defense, coming up with four steals and numerous other big defensive plays.
Up next: Buckeyes will host Dayton back at the new Value City Arena (groan) on Wednesday at 9 p.m. Coverage begins at 8:40 on www.ohiostatesports.net
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