Smith, Craft power OSU past Wyoming

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

Lenzelle Smith Jr. scored 20 points and Aaron Craft had all 10 of his points in a second-half surge to lead No. 7 Ohio State past Wyoming, 65-50, on Monday night.

Craft was scoreless and having a forgettable game until he began driving and scored 10 of the Buckeyes’ 13 points during an 13-4 run that turned the tide.

Amir Williams added 12 points and a career-high 16 rebounds — six more than his previous best — for Ohio State (5-0).

Larry Nance Jr., son of the former Cleveland Cavaliers star, had 17 points and 12 rebounds despite heavy foul trouble for the Cowboys (4-2).

Despite the venue and the round ball, it was clear many in the crowd had not forgotten that Ohio State’s third-ranked football team is playing archrival Michigan on Saturday. Several times in the second half, the student sections joined in a rousing rendition of “We don’t give a damn for the whole state of Michigan.”

Wyoming, down as many as 10 points in the first half and 38-34 at the break, went on an 8-0 run to build a 42-39 lead with 15 minutes left.

Riley Grabau hit a pull-up 3-pointer on the break, Josh Adams added a three-point play on a dribble drive and then Nance had a free lane for a rebound dunk. That led to Ohio State coach Thad Matta calling a timeout to try to get his team back in sync.

Whatever he said worked.

The Buckeyes stormed back scoring the next six points to take a 45-43 lead on Craft’s second consecutive driving layup in traffic.

On the inbounds pass, Ohio State’s Shannon Scott got tangled with a Cowboy and appeared to shove him away with his forearm, resulting in a technical foul. Grabau hit both technical shots to tie it.

But Smith hit a 3 from the left corner to give the Buckeyes the lead to stay.

Ohio State’s defense suddenly starting taking control.

The Pokes scored just two points from the 13:06 mark until Nance, fresh after sitting out with four fouls, hit two foul shots with 4:48 remaining.