Ohio State snaps losing streak with 72-60 win over Illinois

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Bruce Thornton scored 20 factors, fellow freshman Brice Sensabaugh scored 14, senior Justice Sueing contributed a double-double, and Ohio State defeated Illinois 72-60 on Sunday, snapping a nine-game dropping streak.

The Buckeyes had misplaced 14 of their previous 15 video games coming in however have confirmed indicators of enchancment since beginning 4 true freshmen — Thornton, Sensabaugh, Felix Okpara and Roddy Gayle — in back-to-back video games.

Ohio State led 41-29 at halftime earlier than Illinois rallied within the second half. Terrence Shannon scored eight straight Illinois factors, together with back-to-back three-point performs, throughout a 12-2 run that received the Illini inside 45-41 with 15:11 remaining.

Illinois, which erased an 18-point deficit towards Northwestern final trip, received inside 53-52 on a 3-pointer by Jayden Epps. Ohio State got here proper again with a putback layup by Sueing, adopted by a thunderous dunk from Sensabaugh and a jumper by Sensabaugh. The Buckeyes didn’t miss one other shot, ending 7-for-7 over the ultimate 6:21.

The Buckeyes pushed their result in 64-53 when Thornton completed off a three-point play with 3:57 remaining. Ohio State maintained a double-digit lead over the past 2:35.

Sueing had 14 factors and 11 rebounds for the Buckeyes (12-17, 4-14 Huge Ten). Thornton made 8 of 11 photographs and Sensabaugh was 5-for-11 taking pictures and grabbed six rebounds.

Coleman Hawkins had 14 factors and 7 rebounds for Illinois (19-10, 10-8). Matthew Mayer scored 11 factors, and Shannon and Epps had 10 factors every.

Thornton made 6 of seven photographs and scored 13 factors to steer Ohio State to a 41-29 halftime lead. The Buckeyes hit on 60.7% of their photographs to 36.7% for Illinois within the first half. Ohio State completed at 53.6% and Illinois hit 36.1% for the sport.

Illinois had gained 10 of 14 video games after beginning Huge Ten play 0-3.

Ohio State has a house sport towards Maryland on Wednesday and performs at Michigan State on Saturday to shut out the common season. The Illini will probably be at house towards Michigan on Thursday and at No. 5 Purdue on Sunday.

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