No. 2 Ohio State saw the return of their star big man on Wednesday, easing him into this Saturday's match up at South Carolina. Things were going well early as the Buckeyes held an 18-11 lead midway through the first half, but then Sullinger limped out of the game with what appeared to be a foot injury.
The Gamecocks outscored the Buckeyes 22-11 to close out the first half and lead 33-29 at the break, as Ohio State holds its collective breath while Sullinger undergoes x-rays on his left foot in another building on campus. Sullinger's foot was stepped on and it is being reported as merely a contusion, but they want x-rays done before allowing him to return in the second half. Sullinger had three points and two rebounds before exiting.
The Buckeyes need to get over the fact their best player may not return. They shot only 12-of-26 in the first half and failed to box out on South Carolina a few times that led to second-chance points.
Ohio State lost last Saturday without Sullinger, but Kansas was a top-ranked team.