COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Deshaun Thomas , playing perhaps his final home game for No. 14 Ohio State, scored 19 points Sunday to lead the Buckeyes over Illinois 68-55 and keep alive their Big Ten title hopes. The victory put Ohio State (23-7, 13-5) in position to grab a share of the conference title if No. 7 Michigan can win at home against No. 2 Indiana later on Sunday. The Buckeyes are assured the No. 2 seed in next week’s Big Ten tournament at Chicago’s United Center. Brandon Paul scored 21 points for Illinois (21-11, 8-10), which is guaranteed the No. 8 seed in the Big Ten tournament Aaron Craft added 14 points and six assists while creating his usual havoc on defense. Lenzelle Smith Jr. had 10 points. The Buckeyes have won five in a row, including wins over No. 2 Indiana and No. 4 Michigan State. They left the arena in the odd position of having to root for archrival Michigan to get a share of the title. They were seeking …
Continue Reading: Buckeyes beat Illini 68-55 on 19 by Deshaun Thomas (The Associated Press)
