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The Ohio State Buckeyes roared back from a 20-point deficit but could never take a lead as its late-game tournament magic dried up against the No. 9 Wichita State Shockers to end the Buckeyes' tournament run, 70-66.
Down 56-36, the Buckeyes went from looking lost to exploding for a 23-6 run that brought them within three. That was as close as Ohio State would get, as the Shockers hit key shots down the stretch and put the game away for good.
LaQuinton Ross, hero of Thursday's match-up against Arizona after making the game-winning three pointer, started the second half comeback with a three-point play and hit crucial shots down the stretch. He ended with 19 points, shooting 4-12 from the field and 9-10 from the free throw line.
Deshaun Thomas overcame a slow start to lead the team with 23 points, but Aaron Craft couldn't duplicate his tournament magic and had just nine points on 2-12 shooting, one of which was a meaningless three-pointer in the final seconds.
Tied at 13 early in the game, Wichita State closed the first half on a 22-9 run and took a 35-22 run into halftime. The Shockers are the first No. 9 seed to advance to the Final Four since 1994, where they will face the winner of the Louisville/Duke game tomorrow.