Men's Basketball

Postgame Notes: No. 11 Ohio State 63, Nebraska 56

Ohio State connects on season-best 23 free throws

Feb. 2, 2013

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POSTGAME NOTES

No. 11 Ohio State (17-4, 7-2 Big Ten) 63, Nebraska (16-5, 6-3) 56

Feb. 2, 2013

Devaney Center – Lincoln, Neb.

Attendance – 11,478

GAME/SERIES

The Buckeyes have won the last seven meetings against the Cornhuskers.
Overall, Ohio State holds an 8-2 record in the series as well as a 3-1 advantage in Lincoln.
As a ranked team, the Buckeyes are 5-0 in the Nebraska series.

TEAM

Three players reached double figures for the Buckeyes: Lenzelle Smith, Jr. (21 points), Deshaun Thomas (15) and Aaron Craft (14).
Nebraska shot 37.1 percent from the field (23-62). The Buckeyes have held opponents to under 40 percent shooting in 13 of 19 games this season and under 50 percent in 20 of 21 games.
After limiting Wisconsin to zero free throw attempts last game, Ohio State held Nebraska to zero free throw attempts in the first half. Buckeye opponents went a total of 62 minutes without a free throw attempt over a span of two games.
Trailing by one with 5:41 remaining in the first half, the Buckeyes went on an 14-4 run to end the half with a 32-23 lead.
From the line, Ohio State connected on 82.1 percent of its free throws (23-28). It is the fourth time this season the Buckeyes have shot at least 80 percent from the line. The 23 made free throws were a season best.
The Buckeyes had six blocked shots vs. the Huskers. OSU has totaled five or more blocks in eight match-ups this season.
As a ranked team (AP), No. 11 Ohio State is 443-120 all-time.
Ohio State is 746-670 all-time in Big Ten play.

Matta is 238-69 during his career at Ohio State and 339-100 overall as a head coach.
In his 13 years as a head coach, Matta is 124-49 vs. current Big Ten opponents, including a record of 120-47 at Ohio State.
Against unranked opponents, Matta owns a 197-22 record as Ohio State head coach.
Matta holds a 4-0 record vs. the Cornhuskers.

With 15 points in the game, Thomas moved to No. 27 on the all-time scoring list at Ohio State (1,317 total points). He needs 18 points to pass Jim Cleamons for 26th all-time.
Has scored in double figures in all 20 games this season.

Craft recorded six assists vs. the Huskers. He remains fourth on the all-time list at Ohio with 456 for his career. He needs 19 assists to pass Curtis Wilson for third.
Has recorded at least one steal in 16-consecutive games.
With two blocks, Craft tied a career high.
Passed 200-made free throws for his career after connecting on six-of-seven vs. Nebraska (205).

Led all scorers with a season-high 21 points.
Passed the career 500-point mark vs. Nebraska. Has now totaled 508 points as a Buckeye.
Connected on all six of his field goal attempts, including three shots from 3-point range.