Buford, No. 2 Buckeyes roll past Miami (Ohio)

Staff report

columbus

William Buford scored 18 points and Aaron Craft dominated at both ends as No. 2 Ohio State started fast and never looked back to beat Miami of Ohio 69-40 on Thursday night.

Deshaun Thomas added 15 points and Jared Sullinger 11 for the Buckeyes (12-1), who won their 33rd straight at home. The game was played at Nationwide Arena, home of the NHL’s Blue Jackets. The building will host second- and third-round NCAA tournament games in March.

Julian Mavunga led the RedHawks (3-7) with 19 points and 10 rebounds.

Craft had just four points but set the tempo at both ends with eight assists, two steals, three rebounds and several other plays that led to points.

The Buckeyes ran off the first 11 points and never trailed.

On their first possession, Buford fed Sullinger with a bounce pass behind the defender for an easy layup and Ohio State was off and running. Buford hit a 3, Thomas scored on fast-break layup, Sullinger scored again on a short jumper and Buford was on the receiving end of Craft’s assist to make it 11-0.

The RedHawks were scoreless for the first 4:16, missing their first four shots with two turnovers.

RedHawks coach Charlie Coles was denied his 350th career win. He is 349-294 in 22 seasons, six at Central Michigan and the last 16 at Miami, where he owns a 257-209 record.