March 24, 2007
The Buckeyes march on to the Final Four. It was not as easy as the final score against Memphis might indicate (92-76).
Wow, think about Ohio State athletics with the success of the football program and now the hoops team! Talk about the creme de la creme! This Buckeye program is young, but don't forget about the veterans. Ron Lewis stepped it up in the tournament, hitting big shot after big shot. He plays in the shadow of Greg Oden and Mike Conley Jr. but he makes big baskets.
The Buckeyes came out strong, shutting down Memphis for the first 4 1/2 minutes. Memphis missed its first seven shots and fell behind 8-0. John Calipari's kids would not quit and it became nip and tuck. Ohio State built up a nine-point lead but the Memphis squad came back.
The Tigers had a 60-57 lead when an intentional foul was called on Chris Douglas-Roberts trying to stop Greg Oden from making an easy basket. The ruling was basket good and the momentum shifted to the Buckeyes. Ohio State converted 35-of-41 free throws to put the game away.
Memphis was led by Jeremy Hunt's brilliant performance, but his 26 points was not enough. One of the best sixth-men in America, he saw his college career come to an end.
The Buckeyes' backcourt was too much as Lewis and Conley combined for 41 points. Then there was Mr. Oden, whose mere presence on defense is a factor you can't always measure by stats or numbers. He is incredible.
Thad Matta's team won its 21st in a row against a gutsy, gallant Memphis team. The Tigers lost for the first time in 2007 after 25 straight wins. Memphis played great all season long and you have to give Calipari credit for a great run. The Tigers simply fell a bit short.
Ohio State is on to its first Final Four since 1999, when Jim O'Brien's team lost in the national semifinal to Connecticut. That Buckeyes team included Scoonie Penn and Michael Redd. Ohio State last won the national championship in 1960 but then lost in the title game in 1961 and '62 to Cincinnati.
Congratulations to Matta and the Buckeyes as they go to Hotlanta. In the preseason, everyone sang Ohio State's presence and this team has not disappointed.
Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in December 1979. Send him a question for possible use on ESPNEWS.
