Buford, Sullinger lead Ohio State
CLEVELAND -- Ohio State's seniors didn't want to be at their graduation ceremony. Now, they'll definitely miss Sunday's commencement.
"It's cool," guard David Lighty said. "I'd much rather be here."
Caps, gowns, diplomas and strains of "Pomp and Circumstance" can wait. These Buckeyes are out to earn a national championship.
William Buford scored 18 points, freshman Jared Sullinger added 11 before getting some extended rest, and Ohio State showed why it's the top overall seed in this year's NCAA Tournament by rolling to a 75-46 win over Texas-San Antonio in the second round Friday.
Playing a two-hour drive from their Columbus campus, the Buckeyes (33-2) were cheered on by more than 15,000 fans, who made Quicken Loans Arena feel just like home. Shaking off a sluggish start, Ohio State built a 16-point halftime lead that stretched to 38 in the second half and was never threatened by the No. 16 seed Roadrunners (20-14), who did all they could to keep the game close.
That lasted about 10 minutes. "Wow," said UTSA coach Brooks Thompson. "They're good."
Ohio State could have named its score, and the blowout allowed coach Thad Matta to rest his starters for Sunday's East Regional matchup with George Mason, a 61-57 winner over Villanova.
The Patriots are no stranger to March magic after making the Final Four in 2006. They now stand in the way of an experienced Ohio State squad with no obvious weaknesses. A team, that at times, seems unbeatable.
"Well, I don't know about unbeatable," Lighty said. "But it's awful hard to beat us when the offensive weapons that we have are all clicking at the same time."
Devin Gibson scored 24 points to lead UTSA, which beat Alabama State on Wednesday night for the right to face the powerful Buckeyes. Melvin Johnson III, who scored a career-high 29 in UTSA's opening-round win, was held to five on 1-for-9 shooting.
The Buckeyes were efficient on offense, getting 26 assists on 29 field goals. They also handled UTSA's slowdown game, which was a surprise.
Ohio State's win improved No. 1 seeds to 107-0 against No. 16s since the tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985.
