NCAA Tournament 2012: Ohio State Too Much For Cincinnati
By Jamal Murphy
Ohio State withstood a furious early second half rally from Cincinnati and retook control in order to cruise to an 81-66 victory in an East regional semi-final in Boston.
Ohio State controlled the first half and led Cincinnati, 37-25 at the intermission. However, the Bearcats came out of the locker room with a vengeance and went on a 27-11 run to take a 52-48 lead nearly midway through the second half.
The Buckeyes responded by turning up their defensive intensity to first half levels and went on a 33-14 run to end the game.
Deshaun Thomas led the Buckeyes with 26 points (20 in the first half) and added 7 rebounds. Jared Sullinger chipped in with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Cashmere Wright paced the Bearcats with 18 points.
Ohio State will face Syracuse in the regional final in Boston, Saturday night.