Ohio State Vs. Florida: Buckeyes Win 81-74 In Columbus

In an early season showdown of strength, the Ohio State Buckeyes prevailed against the Florida Gators 81-74 on Tuesday night in Columbus.

The third-ranked Buckeyes moved to 2-0 and were led by guard William Buford, who notched 21 points on 7-15 shooting and long with six rebounds and three assists. Sophomore forward Jared Sullinger added 16 points on an efficient 4-8 shooting from the field and flawless 8-8 mark from the line. Indeed, Ohio State bullied their way to the win by making 27-34 free throws compared to just 13-21 for Florida.

Forward Erik Murphy had a fine game for the Gators, making all four of his three-pointers. But the Buckeyes flummoxed Florida, who fell to 1-1 on the season, by forcing 16 turnovers while committing just seven turnovers themselves.

Ohio State hosts Jackson State next, on Nov. 18. Florida rocked Jackson State 99-59 on Nov. 11, so the Buckeyes' perfect record is not in imminent danger.

Ohio State Vs. Florida Score Update: Buckeyes Lead 35-32 At Halftime

Led by preseason All-American forward Jared Sullinger, the Ohio State Buckeyes have a narrow 35-32 lead over the Florida Gators at halftime in Columbus, Ohio.

Sullinger, star sophomore, leads all scorers with 10 points and is also tops on the glass with four rebounds. Although just 2-6 shooting from the field, Sullinger has made all six of his free throws. It should not come as a surprise to the Gators that the big man is knocking down his free throws, as he shot 83.3 % from the line last season.

The third-ranked Buckeyes have also received nine points, three rebounds, and two assists from Williams Buford. It was Sullinger and Buford who racked up 32 combined points in the team's season debut in a win over Wright St., and they are once again coming up big.

Meanwhile, the Gators, ranked 10th in the country entering tonight, have stayed in the game thanks in part to some sharpshooting from outside: Florida has made 6-11 three pointers after knocking down 13-30 attempts from long range in their first game of the season, a 40-point blowout over Jackson St.

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The Ohio State Buckeyes play the Florida Gators on Tuesday night in Columbus. Both teams are ranked in the top ten in the nation, all but ensuring a game worth tuning into when it tips off on ESPN2.

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