The Ohio Bobcats are headed to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1964 after dispensing No. 12 South Florida Bulls 62-56 on Sunday night. The 13-seeded Bobcats opened the game slowly and took a six-point deficit into the half, but stormed back with a barrage from the perimeter and disruptive defense to grab the momentum.
One of the best teams at creating turnovers in all of college basketball, Ohio finished the game with nine steals, and continuously caused problems for USF ballhandlers. Leading scorer D.J. Cooper chipped in 19 points with seven assists, and drained a clutch floater in traffic (clip below) to give the Bobcats a seven-point lead down the stretch.
Without a doubt, the difference in the game came down to the three-point line. South Florida couldn't hit a three to save its life, finishing just 2-for-13 (15.3%) from the arc. The Bobcats, however, were in top form, connecting on 9-of-18 for the game and 5-of-8 in the second half.
The Bobcats will now advance to face the winner of tonight's No. 10 Purdue vs. No. 2 Kansas game in the Sweet 16 in St. Louis, Missouri.
For more coverage of Ohio basketball, head to SB Nation's MAC blog Hustle Belt. For more on South Florida, be sure to visit Voodoo Five. And for more coverage of the 2012 NCAA tournament, check out SB Nation's 2012 March Madness hub.