LOS ANGELES, CA – Ohio State seems to be developing a knack for last-second, game-winning three-pointers in the NCAA Tournament.
On the heels of Aaron Craft’s three-pointer to sink Iowa State last weekend in the round of 32, it was LaQuinton Ross’ turn to provide more last-second heroics for the Buckeyes. The sophomore forward buried a three to break a 70-70 deadlock with just two seconds remaining in regulation – off an assist from Craft – as 2nd-seeded Ohio State slipped past 6th-seeded Arizona 73-70 to advance to the Elite Eight. The Buckeyes will face 9th-seeded Wichita State in the West Regional Finals on Saturday, seeking to advance to the Final Four for the second consecutive year.
Ross finished with 17 points off the bench for the Buckeyes, with Deshaun Thomas’ 20 points pacing the victors. Mark Lyons led Arizona with 23 points, with Solomon Hill adding 16. Both teams shot lights-out from the free throw line, with Ohio State going 22-for-26 (84.6%), and Arizona going 18-for-20 (90.0%).
Wayne Larrivee and Bill Frieder called the action on Westwood One Sports.
(Nick Johnson’s tomahawk jam gives the ‘Cats an early 26-17 lead)
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(Johnson strikes again from the outside, as the lead grows to 11)
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(Ohio State comes back, as Deshaun Thomas buries a three to cut the deficit to four)
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(Amir Williams inside for two, as Buckeyes grab 44-38 lead with 10-0 run)
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(Shannon Scott converts fast-break lay-up as the OSU lead grows to eight)
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(Arizona claws back, as Mark Lyons hits a big three to cut the deficit to three)
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(Lyons to the rescue again, an “and-one” to tie the game at 70 after made free throw)
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(The stage is set for LaQuinton Ross, who buries a go-ahead trey with two seconds left!)
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(One final chance for Arizona in the final moments)
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(Postgame interview with Ohio State’s Aaron Craft)
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For our complete NCAA Tournament schedule, CLICK HERE.