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Men's Basketball
Buckeyes Open Season with Win
By John Porentas

The Ohio State men's basketball team opened its regular-season on a winning note with a one-sided 81-52 win over visiting Chicago State.

The Buckeyes played short two players in the game, with point guard Jamar Butler and backup center Matt Terwilliger sitting out a one-game suspension for playing in a charity three-on-three event in violation of NCAA rules.

Without Butler, OSU Head Coach Thad Matta used junior college transfer Sylvester Mayes at the point. Mayes responded with nine assists with just one turnover. Mayes also contributed a game-high four steals and 11 points, one of five Buckeyes to reach doubled figures against Chicago State.

"We're just trying to step it up," said Mayes.

"The first few exhibitions were tough, but now it's time to step it up for the team and the coach.

"I believe in my teammates and if they continue to shoot like that then my nine assists will go up as the season goes on," Mayes said.

The game itself was never really in doubt. Ohio State scored the first five points of the game and never really looked back. The Buckeyes led by 24 at 37-13 with 4:38 remaining in the first half. OSU led by as-many-as 33 in the second half and was never really threatened by Chicago State.

Forward J. J. Sullinger led OSU with a game-high 11 rebounds. Sullinger reached double figures in both of OSU's preseason exhibition contests as well.

Guards Je'Kel Foster and Ron Lewis shared game scoring honors with 16 points each. Foster was four-of-five from three-point range for 12 of his 16 points.

"This is a great start. We are ready for this season and it's great to get going," said Foster.

"We shared the ball really well. When I was open I took my shots and they just kept falling for me," Foster said of his hot shooting night from three point range.

Ohio State shot 56.4% (31-of-55) from the field including 41.2% (7-of-17) from three point range. Chicago State shot just 34.8% from the field.

Forwards Ivan Harris and center Terence Dials also reached double figures in scoring with 12 and 11 points respectively.

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