Gator Gnashing

The Buckeyes basketball team employed a similar strategy as the OSU football squad, erupting in the second half to take down the Florida Gators 93-75 last night. The closely contested season opener in Gainesville went the Buckeyes’ way as freshman, Jared Sullinger and senior, David Lighty scored 26 points each in the victory. Sullinger was 13-of-17 with ten rebounds as the Buckeyes outlasted number nine Florida. The youngest player on the floor at O’Connell Center, eighteen year old Sullinger had 16 of his points in the second half. Kenny Boynton led the Gators, hitting five of eight from beyond the arc and finishing with 21 points. OSU defeated Florida for the second time since the 2007 NCAA tournament. The Gators were the victors in that game three years ago.
Ohio State’s stifling defense was effective early but the Buckeyes trailed 41-38 at the half. Florida outscored the visitors in the paint and hit more second-chance points than the Bucks in the first half. Billy Donovan’s team scored on six of seven possessions to open up with a 15-14 edge. The Gators dominated the boards and their offensive rebounding outmatched the Buckeyes. Erik Murphy contributed eight points and grabbed three offensive rebounds off the bench for the Gators. Florida stretched their lead to seven before Ohio State broke back with four points to close in at the half. Dallas Lauderdale, the towering 6’8” center, played 18 minutes for Thad Matta’s Buckeyes. Lauderdale’s absence was advantageous for the Gator offense. Florida took advantage inside.
The lead changed 11 times in the opening of the second half. Ohio State didn’t pull ahead until midway through the half when Jon Diebler’s trey put them up for good. A seasoned shooter, Diebler poured in 14 points, including four from downtown. The Gators seemed to lose their composure on offense during the second half as number four Ohio State outscored them 55-34. Erving Walker had 15 points for Donovan’s Gators, but it was the Buckeyes’ defense that stood in the end. Sullinger finished with his second straight double-double. William Buford grabbed three of the team’s six steals and Florida’s turnovers ignited the OSU defense. Florida shot the ball well but couldn’t contain the Bucks’ second half tempo. Ohio State shot 62% from the field and won the turnover ratio by ten. The Buckeyes performed uncontested layups, dunks and premier perimeter shots, culminating in impressive come-from-behind win.

Parting Points: The UConn women continue to roll, now streaking at 80 straight wins.

Managers of the year honors to Ron Gardenhire and Bud Black.

It’s Splitsville for Eva Longoria and Tony Parker.