National Basketball Association
BOXSCORE | RECAP
Ohio St. 74, Central Conn. St. 56
When: 4:30 PM ET, Saturday, December 7, 2013
Where: Value City Arena, Columbus, Ohio
Officials: # Chuck Bullock, # Glenn Mayborg, # Darryl Smith
Attendance: 13640
By SportsDirect Inc.

No. 3 Ohio State 74, Central Connecticut State 56: LaQuinton Ross scored 23 points on 9-of-13 shooting to lead the host Buckeyes past the Blue Devils.

Lenzell Smith Jr. tallied 17 points for Ohio State (8-0), which is unbeaten in seven home games this season. Amir Williams added 11 points and three blocks.

Faronte Drakeford had 12 points and five rebounds for Central Connecticut State (2-6). Matt Mobley added 10 points off the bench and was 8-of-8 from the line – the only Blue Devils’ player to attempt a free throw.

Central Connecticut State overcame a slow start and crept within 49-41 on Drakeford’s jumper with just under 14 minutes to play. The Buckeyes responded with a 10-0 surge to get the margin up to 18 and cruised to the finish.

Ohio State jumped out to early leads of 13-2 and 20-6 and appeared primed to roll to an easy win. But the Blue Devils cut their deficit to five with 4 1/2 minutes left in the first half and trailed 38-29 at the break.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Ohio State has won 74 consecutive home games against unranked opponents dating back to a loss to West Virginia on Dec. 27, 2008. … Central Connecticut State recorded a 29-28 rebounding edge. … Buckeyes G Aaron Craft had just two assists and his career count of 570 is nine shy of the school record held by Jamar Butler (2004-08).
Top Game Performances
 
Central Conn. St.   Ohio St.
Faronte Drakeford 12 Scoring LaQuinton Ross 23
Kyle Vinales 4 Assists Shannon Scott 4
Matt Hunter 6 Rebounds LaQuinton Ross 6
Matt Mobley 8 Free Throws Made LaQuinton Ross 5
Matt Hunter 1 Steals Shannon Scott 3
Matt Hunter 2 Blocks Sam Thompson 3
Team Stats Summary
 
Team Points FG% 3PM-3PA FTM-FTA Assists Rebounds Blocks Steals Turnovers
Central Conn. St. 56 46.0 2-11 8-8 9 25 3 3 20
Ohio St. 74 52.7 4-17 12-18 10 26 7 6 11