Men's Basketball
Buckeyes Remain Unbeaten with Win Over Columbia to Advance in Preseason NIT
By John Porentas

The Buckeyes (2-0) continued on the winning track in the preseason NIT with a 68-54 win over Columbia (1-2) in the second round of the tournament at Value City Arena.

OSU freshman center Kosta Koufos, senior guard Jamar Butler and sophomore guard David Lighty paced the Buckeye scoring with 19, 18 and 13 points respectively, but for the second-straight night it was OSU's zone defense that was the difference maker along with a strong effort on the glass.

The Buckeyes used their zone defense to limit Columbia to 30.4 per cent shooing from the field and forced the Lions into 30 three-point attempts as OSU's baseline defense made it difficult for Columbia down low. Columbia made just 10 of those 30 three pointers. The Buckeyes also outrebounded Columbia by a whopping 41-25 mark.

"They really kept us out of our rhythm in the second half. They extended out and we got a little passive," said Columbia Head Coach Joe Jones.

"I think we're a pretty physical team. They're awfully big and the big fellow (Koufos) played great, he's an excellent player," said Jones.

The Lions stayed close for most of the first half, but the Buckeyes went on a 10-0 run late in the half to break a 23-23 tie and take a 33-23 lead. Columbia got a buzzer-beating three to end the half and reduce the deficit to just seven at the intermission.

The Lions pulled to within one again early in the second half at 36-35, but the Buckeyes put together a 12-0 run to go up by 13 and were never seriously threatened from then on. The Bucks leaned on Koufos down low in the second half and the big freshman responded with 12 points after the intermission.

"They were able to get him some touches around the rim and he's so skilled and so big he just put that ball in the basket and made it look easy," said Jones.

Koufos carried the second half, but it was Butler who carried the Buckeyes early on. Butler scored 10 of his 18 in the first half.

"The first half he really hurt us," said Jones.

"He's just an excellent player. He's just great off ball screens. The stuff they run is really good for him and he can really shoot the ball. He plays under control and doesn't really rush. He's an excellent player."

Through the first two games Butler, Koufos and Lighty have been consistent, and forward Othello Hunter has been extremely solid. Hunter led all rebounders with nine and scored seven points despite the fact that his minutes were slightly limited due to some cramping problems. Freshmen Evan Turner showed promise against Columbia making the most of his 24 minutes of play with six points and five rebounds.

"I thought he did a nice job both offensively and defensively," said Matta.

"He forced their hand on offense a little bit, got some drives and knocked down the three. Defensively he's still got some things to learn of not being too aggressive but I thought he did a very good job."

Forward Dallas Lauderdale has also been effective, particularly on the glass.

"Dallas did a tremendous job. I think he gave us a great boost in there with his energy and rebounded the ball," said Matta.

The one possible disappointment two games into the season has been the play of freshman starter Jon Diebler. Diebler set the Ohio High School scoring record but has made just one of 10 attempts in his first two games as a Buckeye. Matta said there are obvious problem with Diebler's shot mechanics at the moment.

"Just a little bit flat," said Mata.

"I don't think his shot preparation is exactly where it needs to be. We've got to get his leg drive going and get more arc on the ball.

"I think it's going to come in time and Jon knows what he needs to do. I don't know if there's a player in college basketball that's shot the ball more than he has," Matta said.

Diebler made just one of five attempts from the field against Columbia. He added three rebounds and an assist, but also turned the ball over a team-high three times.

OSU now advances to New York in the preseason NIT. They will be back in action again on Wednesday, November 21 when they will take on the Syracuse Orangemen in Madison Square Garden. The game will be televised by ESPN2.

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