Turner and Buckeyes too much for Michigan
Staff Writer
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Evan Turner did pretty much everything for Ohio State in its 66-55 win Saturday at Value City Arena over arch-rival Michigan.
Turner finished with 18 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, four blocks and a steal leading the Big Ten-leading Buckeyes.
As much as the numbers suggest, they still don’t show how much he did. He began by hitting his first six shots from the field and finished 8-11. When Ohio State needed baskets, he got them. When Ohio State needed stops, he got them.
Michigan fell behind out of the gate as the Buckeyes went out to a quick 9-0 run in the first three minutes. But the Wolverines climbed back, and with 2:06 left in the first half they finally tied it up.
Who answered for Ohio State? Turner. The next possession, he drove to the lane scored, got fouled and finished the three-point play.
When the Wolverines had the lead to start the half, who answered? Turner. He hit a jumper, giving the Buckeyes a 34-33 lead. They didn’t give it up.
“I tell guys I recruit to study Evan Turner,” said Ohio State coach Thad Matta. “What I’ve seen is humility, drive and passion.”
Michigan took advantage of foul trouble to stay in the game most of the afternoon. Buckeye forward David Lighty picked up two fouls with 6:16 left in the first half, forcing Matta to sit him until halftime.
With the defensive specialist Lighty gone, Michigan erased a six-point deficit and took a one-point lead into halftime.
“Dave’s one of our key defensive stoppers,” said Ohio State center Dallas Lauderdale. “It hurt but we have to bring up our intensity.”
After half, Turner and William Buford kept scoring keeping Michigan at an arm’s length the rest of the game. Buford scored 24 points for a game-high and snatched nine rebounds.
“Will was born to score,” said Turner. “When I first practiced with him, I knew he was going to be a player. He had self-confidence and played good.”
Buford and Turner combined for 42 points. Another 14 came from Lauderdale’s, his career high.
In the last meeting between the two teams, Lauderdale was dominated inside. Deshawn Sims, of Michigan, posted 28 points and nine rebounds on Lauderdale, who could only score eight points in the meeting that Michigan won.
“Lauderdale was eager to play because Deshawn was such a monster last game,” said Matta. “The coaches really got on him about it this week.”
Michigan, 13-15 (6-10), has two more remaining regular season games this season following its third straight loss. Minnesota comes to Crysler Arena Tuesday night, and then Michigan travels to the Breslin Center to play Michigan State next weekend.
“We just have to get back to work,” said Michigan coach John Beilein. “We’re still working hard. No one is throwing it in.”
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