Men's basketball: Ohio State rolls past Walsh in exhibition game
Ohio State played a lot of players and scored a lot of points in its men’s basketball season debut today, defeating Walsh 95-49 in Value City Arena in its only exhibition game before the start of the regular season.
William Buford had 17 points and five assists and Jared Sullinger scored 15 points to lead the Buckeyes, who are ranked No.3 nationally heading into their opener Friday night at home against Wright State.
Jordan Sibert and J.D. Weatherspoon added 15 and 13 points, respectively, off the bench as coach Thad Matta played 11 players at least 11 minutes as he continues to try to find how deep of a lineup he can comfortably play this season. Junior transfer Evan Ravenel had a game-high eight rebounds off the bench.
Buford and Sullinger were joined in the starting lineup by Aaron Craft, Deshaun Thomas and Lenzelle Smith Jr. That was the same starting five Matta used in a scrimmage against Ohio University a week earlier.
Walsh, which is transitioning from NAIA to NCAA Division II, was led by Brad DuPont and Rian Burrell with 13 points apiece.
The game was streamed on BTN.com but will be replayed on Big Ten Network at 4:30 p.m. Monday.
bbaptist@dispatch.com
