Turner, Diebler lead OSU past Illinois

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

Ohio State’s players would watch other schools rush the court and they always wondered what it would be like if they were in the midst of such a wild celebration.

Now they know.

Jon Diebler once again lit up Illinois from behind the arc, hitting seven 3-pointers for 21 points, to lead the sixth-ranked Buckeyes to a 73-57 victory on Tuesday night that assured them of at least a share of the Big Ten title.

After the game, just as the Buckeyes had hoped, they were mobbed by fans.

Evan Turner and Dallas Lauderdale had discussed what the reaction would be if they won the title.

“Watching other schools rush the court, I said, ‘Dang, I just wonder how it would be if that was to happen!’ ” Lauderdale said. “Evan was like, ‘Let’s make it happen.’ ”

It was the third conference title in the last five years for Ohio State (24-7, 14-4), winners of four straight overall and 13 of 15.

“It felt like you could finally live out one of those moments that they show you when you get recruited here. They show you video of everybody on the floor celebrating, all happy,” said Turner, who had with 16 points, 12 rebounds and five assists. “That was cool.”

After the game, fans swarmed onto the court and cheered while several players ran over to their families to celebrate with them.

The crowd chanted “One More Year!” for Turner, a front-runner for national player of the year who has not decided if he will give up his senior season to jump to the NBA.

The Buckeyes will be the top seed in the Big Ten tournament, after taking a nine-day rest, and will likely be a high seed in the NCAA tournament.

William Buford added 17 points, seven rebounds and five assists but it was David Lighty, who finished with 15 points, who might have provided the biggest spark for the Buckeyes in the second half.

The lead hovered around four points until sub Kyle Madsen hit a baseline jumper and, after an Illinois turnover, Lighty took one quick step to the basket and scored on a left-handed layup while Illini big man Mike Tisdale picked up his third foul. Lighty’s three-point play pushed the lead to 58-49 with nine minutes left.