Ohio State was in top form at home last night in cruising past conference rival, Illinois. The Buckeyes bounced the Illini 89-70 at Value Center Arena behind a remarkable David Lighty performance. Lighty scored 21 points, including 13 consecutive buckets to lead second ranked Ohio State to their 26th victory. Lighty added four rebounds and a pair of assists in 39 court time minutes. The Buckeyes turned the ball over just three times and stole the ball nine times in an impressive win. Illinois committed 16 turnovers and fell to 17-11 overall on the year. Ohio State maintains a one game lead over Purdue in the Big Ten.
William Buford carried the Buckeyes in the first half with 17 points. Jared Sullinger pitched in 11 points and dominated the boards with 11 rebounds. The game was close in the first half until the Buckeyes pulled away late. Mike Tisdale led the unranked Illini with 12 points in the first half and finished the game with 14. Ohio State took a 15 point advantage into the break and expanded it to 17 early in the second half. But Illinois cut the deficit to six points five minutes later. Senior Mike Davis tallied a team high 18 for Illinois.
The Illini kept pace with the home team, shooting 52 percent to OSU’s 53. The Bucks’ loose second half defense allowed Illinois back into the game. Illinois got to the charity stripe just three times, and struggled to stop the speedy Buckeyes in the paint. The visitors rallied to within nine points with just over ten minutes in regulation. The Illini scored on five of their first eight possessions in the second stanza, but Lighty helped the Buckeyes seize control with a personal 10-0 run. OSU held a comfortable lead for the remainder of the contest. They never dipped below double figures again. Freshman Aaron Craft pulled had six assists and 12 points for Ohio State. Conference leading shooter, Demetri McCamey, did not start but punched through 15 buckets for the losing team.
Parting Points: Band of the day- The White Stripes
The Nets are trying to match the Knicks. New Jersey acquired All-Star, Deron Williams, from the Jazz.
The Cardinals’ Adam Wainwright will be sidelined with an injured elbow.
Showing posts with label Illinois. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Illinois. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Inhibiting Illinois
Ohio State brings their number one ranking to Assembly Hall in Champaign, Illinois this afternoon. The Buckeyes tipoff at noon against the 23rd ranked Illini hoping to extend their undefeated season another day and improve to 20-0 on the year. Ohio State faces a tough test at hostile Assembly Hall in what should be the first of a series of challenging contests in the coming weeks. The Buckeyes will face seven teams ranked in the top 25 in their next nine games.
Today, their 14-5 Big Ten opponents boast an admirable crew in defensive-minded Illinois. The Illini lead the conference in three-point shooting and three-point shooting defense. Assist man, Demetri McCamey, will be a catalyst for the home team. Last season, Evan Turner and the Buckeyes held McCamey to just nine points in a 72-53 victory on the road. The pressure will be heavier for this season’s matchup. Illinois have immense front-court size, solid shooting from beyond the arc and are savvy in the back-court. Starting guard, D.J. Richardson and forward, Bill Cole both shoot well from a distance and will be a tricky test for OSU’s outside guards. Senior Mike Davis leads the Illini in shooting and center Mike Tisdale is more than accurate from the line. The Buckeyes are capable of disposing any team in college basketball, but they must contain the high scoring Illini. Illinois is so effective in creating opportunities for their shooters. The Buckeyes must be careful not to turn the ball over.
Illinois already toppled Michigan State at home this season. The Illini are a team that struggles on the road so should be prepared for a number one ranked OSU squad. Bruce Weber will have them equipped to handle the likes of Jared Sullinger’s outside looks and David Lighty’s diligent drives to the basket. The Bucks had a difficult time defending Penn State in their win over the Lions last weekend, but rebounded to suffocate the Hawkeyes 70-48 on Wednesday. Which OSU team will show up in Champaign this afternoon?
Parting Points: Song of the day-“6, 8, 12” by Brian Mcknight
Manny Ramirez and Johnny Damon reunite in Tampa. Interesting pick-ups for the Rays.
Today, their 14-5 Big Ten opponents boast an admirable crew in defensive-minded Illinois. The Illini lead the conference in three-point shooting and three-point shooting defense. Assist man, Demetri McCamey, will be a catalyst for the home team. Last season, Evan Turner and the Buckeyes held McCamey to just nine points in a 72-53 victory on the road. The pressure will be heavier for this season’s matchup. Illinois have immense front-court size, solid shooting from beyond the arc and are savvy in the back-court. Starting guard, D.J. Richardson and forward, Bill Cole both shoot well from a distance and will be a tricky test for OSU’s outside guards. Senior Mike Davis leads the Illini in shooting and center Mike Tisdale is more than accurate from the line. The Buckeyes are capable of disposing any team in college basketball, but they must contain the high scoring Illini. Illinois is so effective in creating opportunities for their shooters. The Buckeyes must be careful not to turn the ball over.
Illinois already toppled Michigan State at home this season. The Illini are a team that struggles on the road so should be prepared for a number one ranked OSU squad. Bruce Weber will have them equipped to handle the likes of Jared Sullinger’s outside looks and David Lighty’s diligent drives to the basket. The Bucks had a difficult time defending Penn State in their win over the Lions last weekend, but rebounded to suffocate the Hawkeyes 70-48 on Wednesday. Which OSU team will show up in Champaign this afternoon?
Parting Points: Song of the day-“6, 8, 12” by Brian Mcknight
Manny Ramirez and Johnny Damon reunite in Tampa. Interesting pick-ups for the Rays.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Buckeye Breather
They can take a few deep breaths in Columbus after a close call in week five of college football. Second-ranked, Ohio State too their undefeated campaign to Champaign, Illinois on Saturday afternoon. The Buckeyes’ Big 10 opener proved to be a battle, with the nation’s number two team prevailing 24-13. Ohio State overcame a rather grim melee during their first road trip of the season. The scrappy 2-2 Fighting Illini tested visiting OSU at Memorial Stadium, holding the Bucks to their fewest yards in 11 games. But the Buckeyes milked the clock, relying on a bonified defense and robust running game to stave off the Illini. Quarterback Terrelle Pryor completed 9-of-16 passes for just 76 yards. The Ohio State signal caller threw two touchdowns and was intercepted once in Jim Tressel’s 99th win as Buckeyes’ head coach. Pryor was also injured, missing chunks of the conference contest’s third quarter. The junior slinger suffered a strained thigh muscle, but returned to finish the game.
The Buckeyes went three-and-out to start the game in red-clad Memorial Stadium. Illinois quarterback, Nathan Scheelhaase’s three yard run gave the home team a 7-0 edge midway through the first stanza. Scheelhaase converted a 3rd-and-9 to Jarred Fayson to keep the chains moving for Illinois and scored on a third down scramble moments later for the game’s first touchdown. Ohio State’s defense uncharacteristically gave up a touchdown and five first downs in the first quarter, but found their rhythm the rest of the game. Scheelhaase was sacked three times and picked off once in the loss. He was held without a touchdown despite tossing over 100 yards and completing over half of his 22 passes.
Brandon Saine finished off a 74 yard Ohio State drive by hauling in an eight yard pass from Pryor on the fourth play of the drive. Saine’s touchdown tied the game at 7-7 in the first quarter. Illinois took a 10-7 lead in the second quarter on Derek Dimke’s 27 yard field goal with 1:50 remaining. The Buckeyes were determined not to go into the break trialing the unranked Illini by three. The Illini dominated time of possession in the first half. Ohio State held the ball for just over 13 minutes, but it was the final 45 seconds that changed the game’s momentum in favor of the scarlet and gray. Pryor found Dane Sanzenbacher in the end zone for an 11 yard touchdown as the first half ended. Just like that OSU carried a four point lead into the locker room. Sanzenbacher finished with three receptions for 35 yards and a score. The Buckeyes would not trail again.
Ohio State still led 14-10 heading into the fourth quarter after neither team found the end zone in the third. The third quarter featured a trade of turnovers. Jermale Hines intercepted Scheelhaase to give OSU a first down at the Illini 44. Joe Bauserman, filling in for the injured Pryor, overthrew his receiver and gave the ball right back to the home team. Pryor returned before the start of the fourth quarter and threw the ball four times. The Buckeyes had 20 rushes after Pryor’s return. Dan Herron ran for 95 yards during the game. Pryor orchestrated a 59 yard drive that chewed up nearly eight minutes of the third and fourth quarter. The Buckeye defense was strong, holding 100-yard rusher, Mike Leshoure to 80 yards.
Devin Barclay created some breathing room for the Bucks with a 32-yarder through the uprights with 8:27 left on the clock. Dimke gave the Illini another three, pulling the home team within four points with less than five minutes remaining. The Illini were faced with a 4th-and-7 with four minutes remaining, but chose to punt instead of go for the first down. They never got another chance. Herron, with just six yards at halftime, pounded out 89 yards in the second half. The tailback stamped home the final touchdown of the day on a six yard run and an 11 point margin. OSU was helped by an offsides call on Illini cornerback, Justin Green. The Bucks were aided by an Illini penalty earlier in the game also. The extra point attempt following Saine’s touchdown was blocked, but a penalty against Ron Zook’s team gave Barclay a second kick.
Parting Points: The Yankees split the twinbill with the Sox. Now it’s time to win the division. At least Andy Pettitte looked solid.
The Buckeyes went three-and-out to start the game in red-clad Memorial Stadium. Illinois quarterback, Nathan Scheelhaase’s three yard run gave the home team a 7-0 edge midway through the first stanza. Scheelhaase converted a 3rd-and-9 to Jarred Fayson to keep the chains moving for Illinois and scored on a third down scramble moments later for the game’s first touchdown. Ohio State’s defense uncharacteristically gave up a touchdown and five first downs in the first quarter, but found their rhythm the rest of the game. Scheelhaase was sacked three times and picked off once in the loss. He was held without a touchdown despite tossing over 100 yards and completing over half of his 22 passes.
Brandon Saine finished off a 74 yard Ohio State drive by hauling in an eight yard pass from Pryor on the fourth play of the drive. Saine’s touchdown tied the game at 7-7 in the first quarter. Illinois took a 10-7 lead in the second quarter on Derek Dimke’s 27 yard field goal with 1:50 remaining. The Buckeyes were determined not to go into the break trialing the unranked Illini by three. The Illini dominated time of possession in the first half. Ohio State held the ball for just over 13 minutes, but it was the final 45 seconds that changed the game’s momentum in favor of the scarlet and gray. Pryor found Dane Sanzenbacher in the end zone for an 11 yard touchdown as the first half ended. Just like that OSU carried a four point lead into the locker room. Sanzenbacher finished with three receptions for 35 yards and a score. The Buckeyes would not trail again.
Ohio State still led 14-10 heading into the fourth quarter after neither team found the end zone in the third. The third quarter featured a trade of turnovers. Jermale Hines intercepted Scheelhaase to give OSU a first down at the Illini 44. Joe Bauserman, filling in for the injured Pryor, overthrew his receiver and gave the ball right back to the home team. Pryor returned before the start of the fourth quarter and threw the ball four times. The Buckeyes had 20 rushes after Pryor’s return. Dan Herron ran for 95 yards during the game. Pryor orchestrated a 59 yard drive that chewed up nearly eight minutes of the third and fourth quarter. The Buckeye defense was strong, holding 100-yard rusher, Mike Leshoure to 80 yards.
Devin Barclay created some breathing room for the Bucks with a 32-yarder through the uprights with 8:27 left on the clock. Dimke gave the Illini another three, pulling the home team within four points with less than five minutes remaining. The Illini were faced with a 4th-and-7 with four minutes remaining, but chose to punt instead of go for the first down. They never got another chance. Herron, with just six yards at halftime, pounded out 89 yards in the second half. The tailback stamped home the final touchdown of the day on a six yard run and an 11 point margin. OSU was helped by an offsides call on Illini cornerback, Justin Green. The Bucks were aided by an Illini penalty earlier in the game also. The extra point attempt following Saine’s touchdown was blocked, but a penalty against Ron Zook’s team gave Barclay a second kick.
Parting Points: The Yankees split the twinbill with the Sox. Now it’s time to win the division. At least Andy Pettitte looked solid.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Solidfying Seed
Jon Diebler dialed up and drilled devastating downtown deliveries as Ohio State lit up Illinois 73-57 in Columbus on Tuesday. The Buckeye win guarantees them at least a share of the Big 10 crown and solidified them a number one seed in the conference tournament. Diebler knotted seven 3-pointers during his 21 point scoring night. Diebler seems to rumble and rise to the occasion behind the arc whenever he faces the Illini. He hit six 3-pointers on OSU’s Valentine’s Day rout of Illinois. Amazingly, he didn’t take a shot inside the rainbow last night. Diebler made 7 of his 14 from downtown to create the total of 21. The Value City Arena fans mobbed their beloved Buckeyes after the Illini annihilation. The conference title marks the third one in five years for Ohio State, and third in six seasons for coach, Thad Matta. It was the school’s 18th overall title.
Four Buckeyes reached double digits as OSU won their fourth straight game and 13th of their last 15. William Buford bucketed 17 points, Evan Turner turned in 16, and David Lighty collected 15 as the Buckeyes rolled over 18-12 Illinois. Illinois took an early 19-13 lead on four 3-pointers. The home team soon took over, leading 28-21 with seven minutes remaining in the half. Illinois rallied to close within a basket at the two minute mark before Turner drained a jumper. Diebler followed suit with his fifth 3-pointer of the half to give the Bucks a 37-33 advantage at the break. Each team made six shots from the arc during the first half. DeMetri McCamey had four for the visiting Illini. McCamey finished with an Illini team high, 18 points.
Ohio State opened the second half and extended their lead to eight. Lighty deposited five straight points during a fourth period OSU run as the junior began slashing the Illinois defense. The Illini cut the margin to four points with ten minutes remaining in the game before Lighty struck again. The Bucks pushed their edge up to eleven with just over nine minutes left on the clock. Brandon Paul scored 11 points in 18 minutes for the visitors. Mike Tisdale added ten in the loss. The Illini made 80% of their baskets from the charity stripe, but McCamey and Tisdale fouled out in the second half. Illinois was unable to overcome the loss of their two consistent shooters. The Buckeyes put the game out of reach in the final seven minutes. Lighty scored eight of the first ten points on a 17-6 decisive OSU surge. A nine day rest and top seed in the Big 10 tournament are OSU’s rewards. Next up for the Buckeyes will be the winner of the number eight and nine seed first round game at Conseco Fieldhouse March 12.
Parting Points: A song from a band straight out of Ohio State-“Shatter” by OAR
Four Buckeyes reached double digits as OSU won their fourth straight game and 13th of their last 15. William Buford bucketed 17 points, Evan Turner turned in 16, and David Lighty collected 15 as the Buckeyes rolled over 18-12 Illinois. Illinois took an early 19-13 lead on four 3-pointers. The home team soon took over, leading 28-21 with seven minutes remaining in the half. Illinois rallied to close within a basket at the two minute mark before Turner drained a jumper. Diebler followed suit with his fifth 3-pointer of the half to give the Bucks a 37-33 advantage at the break. Each team made six shots from the arc during the first half. DeMetri McCamey had four for the visiting Illini. McCamey finished with an Illini team high, 18 points.
Ohio State opened the second half and extended their lead to eight. Lighty deposited five straight points during a fourth period OSU run as the junior began slashing the Illinois defense. The Illini cut the margin to four points with ten minutes remaining in the game before Lighty struck again. The Bucks pushed their edge up to eleven with just over nine minutes left on the clock. Brandon Paul scored 11 points in 18 minutes for the visitors. Mike Tisdale added ten in the loss. The Illini made 80% of their baskets from the charity stripe, but McCamey and Tisdale fouled out in the second half. Illinois was unable to overcome the loss of their two consistent shooters. The Buckeyes put the game out of reach in the final seven minutes. Lighty scored eight of the first ten points on a 17-6 decisive OSU surge. A nine day rest and top seed in the Big 10 tournament are OSU’s rewards. Next up for the Buckeyes will be the winner of the number eight and nine seed first round game at Conseco Fieldhouse March 12.
Parting Points: A song from a band straight out of Ohio State-“Shatter” by OAR
Monday, February 15, 2010
Buckeye Blowout
It looked like Valentine’s Day in Champaign, Illinois Sunday afternoon as the Fighting Illini hosted 13th ranked Ohio State. Both teams were clad in red and white. The Big Ten teams showed little love for each other, however. It was Ohio State popping the campaign in Champaign, sticking a dagger in the Illini like cupid with an arrow. The Buckeyes blew out the home team 72-53. It was the worst lost suffered at Assembly Hall in 34 years. Ohio State held on the first place and showed they mean business in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes dominated Illinois from the get-go. They went on to rout their 17-9 opponents to pull into a first place tie with Michigan State. It was the ninth straight win for the smug and superior Buckeyes.
The scarlet and gray shooting was hot and consistent throughout the game. The Illini were coming off back-to-back victories over top 15 teams but never mounted a rally against Ohio State. OSU trailed by one point in the first period before going on an 18-6 run. The Buckeyes never looked back. Illinois trailed by 20 points at the half. OSU’s Jon Diebler led the way with 18 points. David Lighty dropped in 17 and Evan Turner finished with 16. Turner snagged 11 defensive rebounds and 8 assists in the win. The Buckeyes shot 53% for the game and frustrated Illinois with a stingy zone defense. The Buckeyes were 11-for-22 from 3-point range. Diebler accounted for six of his team’s long shots. The Illini managed just 16% from the arc.
Thad Matta’s Ohio State offense was clicking on all cylinders and looked very much in form. Illinois got as close as 13 points in the early minutes of the second half, but Turner and Diebler kept up their penetration and shooting prowess to rebuild the lead to 17 over a four minute span. The 6’7” Turner logged six turnovers at point guard. The befuddled home team couldn’t get anything going offensively and never even made a game of it Sunday. The Illini lost for the first time in six tries. Demetri McCamey scored a ghastly nine points in the loss, nearly seven short of his season average. The Illinois guard came into Sunday with the title of Big Ten co-player of the week (along with OSU’s Turner) You can guarantee he won’t be sharing anything close to that title this week. McCamey’s two rebounds and nine assists were only slightly better than his 0-for-4 from downtown. Forward, Mike Davis, was one of three Illini juniors to tally eight points. Bill Cole and Mike Tisdale also contributed eight as their team fell to 20-6 OSU. Cole and Tisdale put up zeros in the assist column. The Illini came into the contest with the conference’s best field goal percentage defense. They sure didn’t appear to be the best in anything Sunday afternoon. Illinois was unable to keep pace with OSU predominately in the zone. The Illini guards were 0-for-14 from the field until freshman, D.J. Richardson’s layup in the final period. The Buckeyes’ pugnacious accuracy provided the lopsided win over Bruce Weber’s Illini. Illinois has some impressive wins at Assembly Hall this season, but Sunday was just a Valentine’s Day massacre they would like to soon forget.
Parting Points: Big Sunday in sports- NBA All-Star game, Daytona 500 and the Olympics heating up. But the headlines are still dominated by college basketball on the heels of March Madness. Number two Syracuse was crushed by Louisville again and Rutgers stunned Georgetown.
The scarlet and gray shooting was hot and consistent throughout the game. The Illini were coming off back-to-back victories over top 15 teams but never mounted a rally against Ohio State. OSU trailed by one point in the first period before going on an 18-6 run. The Buckeyes never looked back. Illinois trailed by 20 points at the half. OSU’s Jon Diebler led the way with 18 points. David Lighty dropped in 17 and Evan Turner finished with 16. Turner snagged 11 defensive rebounds and 8 assists in the win. The Buckeyes shot 53% for the game and frustrated Illinois with a stingy zone defense. The Buckeyes were 11-for-22 from 3-point range. Diebler accounted for six of his team’s long shots. The Illini managed just 16% from the arc.
Thad Matta’s Ohio State offense was clicking on all cylinders and looked very much in form. Illinois got as close as 13 points in the early minutes of the second half, but Turner and Diebler kept up their penetration and shooting prowess to rebuild the lead to 17 over a four minute span. The 6’7” Turner logged six turnovers at point guard. The befuddled home team couldn’t get anything going offensively and never even made a game of it Sunday. The Illini lost for the first time in six tries. Demetri McCamey scored a ghastly nine points in the loss, nearly seven short of his season average. The Illinois guard came into Sunday with the title of Big Ten co-player of the week (along with OSU’s Turner) You can guarantee he won’t be sharing anything close to that title this week. McCamey’s two rebounds and nine assists were only slightly better than his 0-for-4 from downtown. Forward, Mike Davis, was one of three Illini juniors to tally eight points. Bill Cole and Mike Tisdale also contributed eight as their team fell to 20-6 OSU. Cole and Tisdale put up zeros in the assist column. The Illini came into the contest with the conference’s best field goal percentage defense. They sure didn’t appear to be the best in anything Sunday afternoon. Illinois was unable to keep pace with OSU predominately in the zone. The Illini guards were 0-for-14 from the field until freshman, D.J. Richardson’s layup in the final period. The Buckeyes’ pugnacious accuracy provided the lopsided win over Bruce Weber’s Illini. Illinois has some impressive wins at Assembly Hall this season, but Sunday was just a Valentine’s Day massacre they would like to soon forget.
Parting Points: Big Sunday in sports- NBA All-Star game, Daytona 500 and the Olympics heating up. But the headlines are still dominated by college basketball on the heels of March Madness. Number two Syracuse was crushed by Louisville again and Rutgers stunned Georgetown.
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