Evan Turner keyed a fast start and Northwestern couldn’t recover as the Buckeyes cruised to a 76 – 56 victory in Columbus Tuesday night. Turner, who flirted with a triple-double, as he finished with 20 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists, says he’s about 90 percent back to where he was before breaking two bones in his back in early December. But don’ tell Northwestern coach Bill Carmody that.

Northwestern's Mike Capocci has no chance of preventing these two points scored by Ohio State center Dallas Lauderdale in the second half of the Buckeyes' 76-56 victory Tuesday night in Columbus. (Jay LaPrete / Associated Press)

“Yeah. He’s doing OK,” Carmody said.

The Buckeyes came out of the gate quick and were up 7-0 just like that. Turner had five of those points. Ohio State (14-5, 4-3) never looked back, as they led 40-17 after the first half en route to their 19th win in 20 ballgames against Northwestern.

Ohio State, spurred on by former Buckeyes football great Eddie George in the stands, shot 56 percent in the first half and nearly 52 percent overall against a Northwestern defense that limits opponents to less than 40 percent shooting and 62.2 points per game.

The Buckeyes hit their first seven shots from the field while taking a 17-3 lead. After the Wildcats (13-5, 2-4) got as close as 10 points, the Buckeyes ran 14 of the next 18 to go up 31-11.

Ohio State would not say content with that lead, as Northwestern came back from 17 points down against Michigan and also beat then-No.6 Purdue at home three days earlier, their team’s first win over an opponent ranked that high since it beat Michigan State in the Magic Johnson era.

“Tonight as a good night,” Turner said. “We’re definitely getting out transition back, which is important. We really thrive in transition basketball. And we’re all getting each other involved in the game and we’re playing well together.”

Turner became only the second Ohio State player (joining Jimmy Jackson) to have 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, and 300 assists for his career.

“Having him back in the lineup just makes us that much of a better team,” said teammate Jon Diebler, who added 17 points of his own. “I think he’s the best player in the country.”

Coach Thad Matta was asked where he thought Turner’s game was.

“About 50 percent,” he said with a laugh.