By Ryan Leonardo

    The possibility of playing the Gators for another championship was crushed last night when the Minutemen of UMass beat the defending two-time NCAA champs by 12 points.  Ohio State did its part though, beating Ole Miss by 12 points.  No April Fool’s, either, despite the irony. 

    Evan Turner and Jamar Butler came to play.  The Buckeye’s defense looked solid, and got plenty of help on the boards as well, out-rebounding the Rebels 50-37.  The Scarlet and Gray built a 24-point lead at halftime, and never relinquished it.  Evan Turner had a magnificent game as well, collecting 18 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals.  He looks to be a solid contributor in the future.  The Buckeye’s victory sets a date with the Minutemen on Thursday evening.

    It would have been nice to see the Gators and Buckeyes battle it out again, but on the other hand, it is nice that they are not in the way of another title, no matter what it is.  Surely Buckeye Nation would be frustrated if they beat us in field hockey, as they are quickly turning into a new rival.  The outcome of the NIT championship game is really not important at this point.  The players have proven that even though this was a true rebuilding year, the one thing you are expected to do when you represent The Ohio State University is to give it your best.