Ohio State Edges Out Tennessee 85-84

Ohio State's comeback victory against Xavier last week was an improbable comeback for the ages. It was inconceivable to think it could be topped. That was, of course, until tonight's game. Now Ohio State is as dangerous a team as they have been all season long. They believe they cannot lose.

The Buckeyes came back from 20 points down against Tennessee on Thursday night to advance in the NCAA Tournament. Ohio State defeated the Vols 85-84 and will now play in the Elite Eight. For the second straight game Ohio State snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. It was also the second time that Ohio State had broken the hearts of Tennessee. In January Ohio State edged out The Volunteers 68-66.

Tennessee dominated the action in the first half. They were in control on both sides of the court, out-rebounding and out playing the No.1 seed. Ohio State superstar Greg Oden played only nine minutes in the half due to foul trouble, and Tennessee pulled ahead to a 20 point lead. They led 49-32 at the half and appeared to have all momentum.

It didn't take long for Ohio State to make their comeback. The Buckeyes went on a 10-0 run to cut the lead in half and slowly crawled their way to a tie with nine to play. At that point the game was in their hands. With Oden on the bench with four fouls Ohio State grabbed the lead. When Tennessee went up by three Ohio State came back with six straight points. With the game tied with six seconds to go Mike Conley, Jr. made a free throw to give Ohio State the lead. Tennessee's Ramar Smith went for a game-winning lay-up but had it violently sent away by Oden.

Ron Lewis was the star for the Buckeyes. He led all scorers with 25 points. Lewis also had five rebounds. Conley, Jr. scored 17 points and had seven rebounds. Forward Ivan Harris had 11 points. Greg Oden had only nine points and three rebounds in his limited time on the court. As a team Ohio State went 8-22 from the three-point line.