Ohio State may go as far as D’Angelo Russell can take the Buckeyes in the NCAA Tournament. So far, that’s enough to roll into the round of 32.
Russell scored 28 points to rally Ohio State from an early 12-point deficit, and the 10th-seeded Buckeyes beat seventh-seeded VCU 75-72 in overtime on Thursday.
”He’s a winner. The kid loves to win. He’s going to do whatever he can to win basketball games,” Ohio State coach Thad Matta said.
The freshman sensation did just about everything for the Buckeyes in their tournament opener.
Russell regrouped from an elbow that sent blood streaming down the left side of his face near the end of regulation, and he showed in nearly 45 minutes on the floor why he is one of the nation’s top players.
The quick and crafty left-hander made 10 of 20 shots, including 4 of 7 from 3-point range, and added six rebounds, two steals and two blocks to bring the Buckeyes (24-10) back in both halves and overtime.
”I watched this (tournament) my whole life. Just knowing that a lot of great teams go down, a lot of underdogs achieve, just with the mentality that anything can happen,” Russell said.
Amir Williams added 13 points, Jae’Sean Tate scored 12 and Shannon Scott had 10 assists to help Ohio State avoid a second straight one-and-done showing in the tournament. The Buckeyes will face second-seeded Arizona on Saturday.
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