By: Glenn S. Moore

The Ohio State State Buckeyes mens’ basketball team rebounded from their loss two days ago with a much deserved win over 12th ranked California 76 – 70, in the 2K Sports Classic : Coaches vs. Cancer consolation game at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The 15th ranked Buckeyes were in control from the opening tip and managed to lead the Golden Bears by as much as 24 points. But being one of the nation’s best 3 point shooting teams, Cal crawled their way back into the ball game and played the last 6:39 only down within single digits.

Jon Diebler got the Buckeyes on the right track by knocking down Ohio States first three pointer only two minutes into the ballgame. The night before against North Carolina, Ohio State missed their first nine three pointers and never recovered even though coming within two points of the defending national champions. The Buckeyes shot 46% from 3 point range in the first half, including shooting 48% overall. Consistent defense in the first half was also a big key with Dallas Lauderdale leading the defensive charge with four blocks as Ohio State went into halftime up 38 – 25.

California only shot 35% from the field in the first half, but hitting 5 of 10 3 point shots kept them within striking distance at the half. No lead is safe with the Golden Bears, as they came back in the second half and put some pressure on the Buckeyes.

The Buckeyes continued their momentum into the second half by taking a 24 point lead with a William Buford dunk at the 15:40 mark. Even though the Golden Bears were outshot percentage wise, 55% to 41% in the second half, they still managed to cut the big lead down and outscore the Buckeyes in the second half, 45 – 38. Cal’s Jerome Randle led the charge with 20 of his 26 points coming in the second half.

The most important stat of the night for the Buckeyes was Evan Turner only turning the ball over 4 times. Against North Carolina, he turned it over 10 times. He led the Buckeyes with 26 points, including 14 rebounds. He has managed to have a double-double in each of the Buckeyes first four games this year.

Both these teams combined for 41 3 point attempts in their first game respectively on Thursday. The trend continued last night as they combined for 48 attempts. Dieblers 9 of his 14 points came on the three ball and helped the Buckeyes stretch their lead throughout the game. Randle for Cal had six of the Golden Bears 10 3 pointers.

The Buckeyes leave New York City on a good note against one of the toughest teams in the nation
and also the favorite to win the Pac-10 in Cal. The loss to North Carolina hurt but the comeback they had against the Tar Heels carried over to their win over Cal. Next up, the Buckeyes play at home on Tuesday against Lipscomb.