Eleven Warriors

You've read every article published in the past 24 hours. You've parsed every quote from the player, his coaches, family and paper boy. All that remains is a confirmation of your hunch. That will come* soon enough (noon ET - 10TV.com to be precise).

Michigan bloggers don't seem to like their chances:

mgoblog:

I haven't seen anyone say anything other than Pryor to OSU; usually these words are accompanied by other words claiming that anyone else would "shock," "cause widespread devastation," or "bring about seven plagues, the likes of which have been heretofore unseen by man."

So, yeah, don't get your hopes up.

Michigan Sports Center

I know Pryor claimed he was down to two schools, but there is no way he doesn't pick OSU. I would be beyond stunned if his choice was anything different.

Are we tempting fate by assuming it's a done deal? Any chance the Wolverines pull one off?

* All signs are screaming "YES!!", but there's no such thing as a sure thing in the mind of a teenager. That likes attention. And that sort of stuff.

KK: double figures in 16 of last 17 games

Is it just me or did that feel more like a summer league game as opposed to a tournament game?

Regardless, Ohio State took advantage of the Bulldogs' sloppy play and their own hot shooting advancing to the 2nd round of the NIT with a 84-66 romp over UNC-Asheville.

The victory moved OSU to 20-13 giving Thad his 8th straight 20+ win season.

The Buckeyes shot a blistering 56% from the floor and 47% from distance hitting 10 triples in 21 tries. Jamar Butler did most of the damage beyond the arc hitting 5/10 en route to a 21 point, 10 assist night with Othello Hunter adding 16 points on 8/10 shooting.

Kosta Koufos also had the hot hand netting 15 points on 7/12 shooting while David Lighty added 13 points.

Butler, Koufos, Hunter and Lighty combined to shoot 28/47 (60%).

All of Lighty's 13 points came in the first 10 minutes of the game with his last 5 capping a 10-0 run giving OSU a 27-15 lead with 10:06 to play. Although the Bulldogs were an inferior opponent it was nice to see Lighty actually look comfortable and in control.

To their credit, UNC responded with a 12-2 run of their own cutting the lead to 29-27 with 6:40 remaining before the Buckeyes closed with a 14-5 spurt to take a 45-35 lead into the locker room.

The opening half saw OSU score 22 points off 16 NC-Asheville turnovers but the Bulldogs shot 61% including 5/10 from deep to stay in the game.

The Bulldogs cut the lead to 53-46 at the 14:36 mark on a dunk by handsome Kenny George but would get no closer as Butler led a 12-4 run with 7 straight points boosting the lead to 65-50 with 10:36 left.

Vaudeville Kenny showed off his flat footed dunk skills scoring 12 points (6/7 FG) to go along with 11 boards and Reid Augst added 20 points and 8 rebounds in a losing effort.

The Buckeyes await the winner of the Cal / New Mexico tilt scheduled for Wednesday at 11pm. Ohio State will play the winner in St. John Arena on Monday.

Will Koufos repeat his NIT success?

Ohio State 19-13, 10-8 Big Ten Roster | Schedule

March 18, 2008 7:00 PM ET - ESPN2 —— The Schott Columbus, OH

NC Asheville 23-9, 10-4 Big South Roster | Schedule

OPPONENT: UNC Asheville is the first Big South team to be invited to the NIT and they are thrilled to be here, even holding a NIT selection party at the local Wild Wings Cafe. They seem to be experienced and take good care of the rock, winning a share of the regular season title and losing to Winthrop in the tournament final.

The Bulldogs come in with a 23-9 record, 10-4 in Big South play and score 75.4 points a game. On the season they shot 48.7 percent from the floor and 36 percent from threeland. As mentioned their assists (17.4) to turnover (13.3) ratio is outstanding and their rebounding is just as good, with six players grabbing more than 4 a game and 36.8 as a team.

KEY PLAYERS: The Bulldogs feature five players in double digits, all juniors or seniors. Bryan Smithson is a 6'0" senior who leads this team in scoring at 16.4 a game to go along with 4.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists. KJ Garland, a 6'1" senior, scores 13.4 points, grabs 4.4 boards and leads the team in assists with 5.9 per game.

Kenny George is the 7'7" junior who literally doesn't leave the floor to dunk the basketball. George scores 12.4 points a game in just over 19 lumbering minutes and leads the nation in shooting at 69 percent. He also ranks eighth nationally with 3.4 blocks a game.

Vincent James and Reid Augst are the others in double figures, scoring 10.6 and 10.3 respectively. James is a 6'7" senior who also grabs 4.6 caroms and dishes out 1.5 assists per game. Augst, a 6'6" junior averages 4.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. John Williams, a 6'4" freshman chips in with 6.5 points and 6'6" sophomore Sean Smith will help out with 5.1 points per game.

NOTES: UNC-Asheville lost at North Carolina (93-81) and at Tennessee (86-73)... The Bulldogs are coached by Eddie Beidenbach in his 12th season... UNC-Asheville has an enrollment of 3500... They averaged less than 1100 fans per home game.

BUCKEYE BREAKDOWN: I actually like the fact Ohio State received the NIT bid. This young team needs to gain valuable tournament experience going into next year. I know the NIT is second tiered talent, but that is what OSU seemed to be all year and I will take the extra practice versus a NCAA first round loss.

However, if OSU takes on any type of sulking attitude towards this game, they could suffer a dreaded NIT first round embarrassment. The Bulldogs are excited to play a major conference team and Ohio State needs to match their opening intensity. It is no secret this nucleus of young players must get stronger on the inside and handling the ball, so a run through this tournament can help develop the much needed toughness.

KEY PLAYERS: I think I just expected too much from this team. I should have realized after the exhibition loss to Findlay that the early exit of Michael Conley was going to have a crippling effect. Jamar Butler simply is not a floor general and was hurt most by Conley's departure. While Butler did lead OSU in scoring this year, his shot selection, lack of offensive imagination and untimely turnovers really hurt this team. He will go down as one of the best guards statistically at Ohio State, but I think his play tonight may help define his legacy. He can not let this team have a one and done in this tournament.

Kosta Koufos could have a big game tonight. Koufos will force Andre the Giant to guard him on the perimeter, which will open his driving game and he should be able to beat his defender down the floor to get some early touches and baskets. Kosta has been coming off the bench recently and was a beast early against Michigan State, but once again his teammates stopped feeding him the ball and he became a non-factor.

I really like the recent development of David Lighty and see him separating himself as the next leader of this team. His defense has always been solid and again, offensive expectations were a bit high, but he is scoring over 10 points a game the last three and his slashing has opened up different opportunities for the sometimes futile offense.

The combination of David Lighty, Evan Turner and William Buford is going to be sick next year. Turner has preformed well this season and while his trouble with turnovers have plagued him, his defense probably doesn't get enough credit.

Othello Hunter has scored double digits in three straight and should be able to continue that trend tonight. Beyond Paul Bunyan, UNC-Asheville is not that tall and Hunter will be much faster getting up and down the court. Fellow senior Matt Turwilliger has been playing some good defensive minutes lately, but I'm excited to see Dallas Lauderdale get his minutes next year.

The NIT is also a perfect setting for Jon Diebler to gain some confidence after a tough freshman season. Division II basketball in Ohio is obviously no training ground for Big Ten hoops. Diebler would be smart to take a page from Lighty and Turner's playbook and drive the ball every so often. He played a season low 4 minutes against MSU and looks as if all faith in his shot is gone.

NOTES: If for no other reason, OSU needs a win tonight to get Thad his 20th victory and keep his streak alive... OSU is 4-7 in their last 11 games... The Buckeyes lost to Georgia Tech, 72-58 in their last NIT appearance back in 2003...

Kenny G in da house

With the NCAA tourney in the rearview, will the Buckeyes have enough interest to 'justify' their #1 seed in the 2008 MasterCard NIT Tournament? We'll find out starting Tuesday night at 7pm when Ohio State takes on #8 seed UNC-Asheville.

If you're sitting there thinking there's something unique about the Bulldogs, you are right. They're the squad with Kenny George, the 7'7" star of the "Messin' With Sasquatch" commercials. Not really but dude is large although he averages just 19.5 minutes per game due to some brittle knees likely caused by Gigantism.

The Bulldogs are more than just a pretty face, however, winning the Big South regular season crown. Stay tuned for Corey's breakdown. We know you're pumped.

Syracuse, Arizona State and Virginia Tech grabbed the other #1 seeds while Florida was tabbed a 2 seed making this the first time since 1980 that the previous year's NCAA finalists failed to make the real tournament.

The pride of winning the pool

We'll find out in a few minutes. More than likely.

While you're nervously tuned into CBS, don't forget to submit your bracket to the Eleven Warriors Steak Knives group.

We've finally settled on a prize for the winner: two shirts from the 11W store (just added a new Woody quote that was requested in the comments) and a 2007 football highlight DVD.

One entry per person, please, and the details are below:

DETAILS:
    Group Name: Eleven Warriors Steak Knives
    Password: woody

"Oh shit."

Ohio State and Penn State blogs were buzzing Saturday night over news that Terrelle Pryor will be making his college decision known within the next week.

Speaking with the press after leading his Jeannette team to a 76-70 overtime victory in the PIAA Class 2A championship game, Pryor was quoted as saying "Next week, I'm going to say the school I'm going to, sign it and get it over with." He further went on to say that he had narrowed his list of four down to two, but wouldn't say which two.

I don't know about you, but I'm having a hard time figuring out who the second school is. My first inclination was towards Michigan, what with the system fit and the immediate playing time. That and because it was the only other school besides Ohio State that welcomed Pryor on an official visit. But for whatever reason, I don't see him going to Michigan.

We know Penn State is out of it because he never scheduled an official visit there. That and statements like the following:

''[State College] is like a country to me -- I don't really dig it.''

Oregon is a longshot. No visits, too far from home, all that.

His response to a question about whether he'll miss basketball is certainly interesting, though:

''You never know. I just might come out and play basketball.''

Am I parsing that sentence too tightly or is the "just" modifier a clue that he may shock us all and take Memphis up on that basketball offer? He did turn in his typical 23 point, 8 rebound, 5 block, four assit and four steal night against a top team and his basketball stock is clearly on the rise. Ah, the paranoia.

Who do you think is Pryor's other school?

Koufos played large while Butler shriveled (AP photo: Michael Conroy)

Needing a victory to secure an at-large bid, the Buckeyes couldn't stop Drew Neitzel from scoring a season high 28 points in a hotly contested 67-60 loss in Indianapolis. The longtime Buckeye killer who was held to 6 points last Sunday scored 14 points in each half behind 6/12 shooting from distance. His final triple was an absolute dagger putting Sparty up 61-55 with 1:20 to play.

The ensuing possession saw David Lighty make just 1 of 2 free throws forcing OSU to foul and the Spartans hit 6 of 7 from the stripe in the final minute dropping Ohio State to 19-13 on the season.

Besides Neitzel's heroics, the Buckeye cause was hurt by untimely turnovers and some curious officiating during a crucial stretch in the second half. With the game tied at 34, Kosta Koufos was whistled for 2 fouls in 10 seconds. The first was a phantom charging call 18 feet from the bucket serving as the worst call I've witnessed this season while the second was a clean block on Raymar Morgan leading to a free throw and a 35-34 Spartan advantage.

Two possesions later, Othello Hunter was whistled for another questionable foul, his fourth, going for a block on Goran Suton. Hunter yelled "No" and started clapping his hands prompting the quick whistled ref to slap Hunter with a Technical Foul. In a game of such intensity and importance, even Musburger and Lavin discussed the overreaction of the official, citing his rabbit ears.

Neitzel hit both technical free throws and Suton hit both foul shots to give MSU a 39-34 lead with 12:39 remaining. The game changing sequence occurred during a 7 minute stretch in which the Buckeyes held MSU to 0 field goals and 2 free throws aside from the 4 free throws the striped shirts handed over.

In the end, the unfortunate sequence was costly but Matta's troops didn't do themselves any favors allowing 15 offensive rebounds and missing 5 of 14 free throws while losing sight of Neitzel all day long. Besides the game winning three, he also got loose for an easy layup off a midcourt inbounds play with 2:05 left giving MSU a 58-53 lead. Painfully, it was the exact same play the Spartans ran last Sunday where David Lighty recovered to get the block. Weak.

Koufos led four Buckeyes in double figures with 19 points on 8/13 from the floor while fellow big Hunter recorded 10 points, 7 boards and 5 blocks.

David Lighty continued his improved play with 12 points and 4 rebounds against zero turnovers but it's worth noting he had to jack up a season high 14 shots (5/14) due to Evan Turner stinking up the court (not sure how he only got credit for 2 TO's) and the lack of agression shown by Butler.

The Buckeye captain let the defense take him out of the offense leading to seven of his 8 field goal attempts coming from distance leading to 11 points coupled with 4 assists and 2 turnovers. Out of desperation, Matta was forced to insert PJ Hill to try and get Butler some looks off the ball but they never materialized.

For the game, OSU held Michigan State to 36% shooting while connecting on 41% of their attempts but the most important shooting statistic has to be OSU hitting just 9/14 FT's compared to 16/22 for the Spartans.

Considering the number of other bubble teams that have gone down so far, I now think the Buckeyes have done enough to earn an NCAA bid. The strength of schedule, meaningful late season wins and the fact they've been very competitive in the losses to ranked teams should stack up well against the other squads as the selection committee starts splitting hairs.

So now we wait...

Ohio State 19-12, 10-8 Big Ten Roster | Schedule

March 14, 2008 2:30 PM ET - ESPN —— Conseco Fieldhouse Indianapolis, IN

#19 Michigan State 24-7, 12-6 Big Ten Roster | Schedule

OPPONENT: For the second time in less than a week, Michigan State stands in the way of Ohio State's tournament hopes. MSU became sloppy with the rock in the second half and fell to Ohio State 63-54 on Sunday. Sparty has been plagued by turnovers all season averaging 14 per game on the season, it was no different Sunday as OSU managed to create 21 turnovers leading to 28 points, helping offset their minus 12 rebounding margin.

It would be redundant of me to do the same preview twice in 5 days, so I refer you here if you did not get to read Sunday's. We all know Tom Izzo is a great coach and it will be interesting to see how he tries to beat OSU's defensive pressure. They were successful early on Sunday, but once Ohio State started rotating better within the zone, every shot was contended.

KEY PLAYERS: Michigan State has only two players who average in double figures, Raymar Morgan and Drew Neitzel. Morgan is clearly the best player on both teams and like Jamar Butler was jobbed this week when losing out to Neitzel in all conference honors. Raymar went 9-12 from the floor Sunday and his mid range jumper could be a zone killer today. Neitzel hit his first two shots and then proceeded to miss his last seven.

If Ohio State can shut down Goran Suton and Drew Naymick once again, the same result is very possible. They both made the most of their elbow jumpers on Sunday, but did not exploit it the whole game. I will not be surprised if Izzo has these two working two man games in Ohio State's zone pockets.

Kalin Lucas handled the ball well and Chris Allen hit his first three shots (all bombs), but Ohio State clamped down on both of them when they extended the pressure. After making five threes as a team in the first, MSU made zero in the second half. Durrell Summers did not score and luckily Marquise Gray played only 13 minutes, as he had 6 points and 7 boards.

NOTES: Michigan State has not been to a Big Ten touney final since 2000, they are 11-8 all time... Raymar Morgan is 35-50 from the floor in the last 6 games... MSU lost to OSU 51-50 in their only tourney meeting in 2003, losing on the infamous Charles Bass banked free throw with 6.3 left... Izzo is 50-25 in his career during March...

BUCKEYE BREAKDOWN: OSU has been comfortably on the bubble for weeks now, Wednesday they were in, Thursday they were the last team out. Luckily many other bubble teams have lost early in their conference tournaments and there is no doubt the Buckeyes are in the Big Dance with a win, which means my Vegas trip just got a whole lot cooler

Fresh off his 11W interview, the Dispatch's Bob Babtist did the same with Thad Matta yesterday and the last question struck me. In Thad's 6 years as an assistant and 7 years as a head coach, none of his teams have failed to win at least one conference tournament game, he is 6-2 in the Big Ten tourney. His team peaked last year at this time and with the wins against Purdue and Michigan State last week, this team is set to do the same.

They started to look inside consistently and got to the line, 52 attempts last week, which has lead to increased field goal percentage and scoring. This young team has to continue that mind set offensively today and must extend their zone beyond the arc from the opening tip. If these factors can hold true, Thad will have added another gem to his resume' and all entries for Eleven Warriors Steak Knives will have identical national champions, er I mean runner-ups.

KEY PLAYERS: I said it last week before Purdue, Jamar Butler is going to lead this team on a Randolph Childress like run here in the tourney. He found his legs and the free throw line (16/16) last week, earning his first Big Ten POW award this year, after averaging 22.5 points and making 7 of 12 from downtown. Butler may have some extra juice today, as he looks to avenge Drew Neitzel's robbing of his first team coaches selection.

The Wiggler perhaps senses his basketball career coming to an end, playing big minutes in both games last week. Ohio State is now 31-1 when Wiggs scores 4 or more points. I thought his defense was at its season best last week, couple that with Othello Hunter's play and this was OSU's best big man combo. Hunter scored 28 points and made 11 of his 18 shots.

D-Light and Evan Turner continued to grow with solid all around games. Turner's wrist is a concern, as he hit only 1-6 shots Sunday, but he could cause havoc with his continued penetrating. Lighty is starting to come around on offense, hitting all of his shots Sunday in route to 12 points, but he has struggled on the road this year. Diebler also struggled on the road this year and has become a non factor recently, any points from him will be a bonus.

NOTES: OSU has won 5 of 6 tournament games... Butler tied the career mark for games played at 133... OSU had a similar scenario last year, finishing the season against Michigan and then facing them in the first round... The game is also on ESPN360, for all of those stuck at work...

If you're in town for the conference basketball tournament, don't forget to stop by the recording location the Big Ten has setup at Conseco -- you're wanted for a spoken word session:

In that spirit, slam poetry will make its debut at this year's Big Ten Basketball Tournaments. Fans will be encouraged to write their own scripts, or they can read one of several poems produced by the Big Ten, including the slam poetry featured in the original PSA. Patrons are welcome to stop by the recording location near section 2 on the main concourse to tape their version of Big Ten basketball slam poetry. Selected renditions will be showcased on the Conseco Fieldhouse video boards during the games and will also be posted on the Big Ten website.

Northwestern and Michigan, the two Big Ten schools you know would just dominate a spoken word throw-down aren't likely to be sending that many fans to Indianapolis, so which group is the favorite in Indy this weekend? Hoosier fan waxing about Pink Houses with a cheek full of Red Man? Overall-wearing Boiler fan? What about Michigan State fan dropping "THIS IS SPARTA!" while rocking a black beret out?

Sorry for the technical difficulties experienced throughout the day.

Our host is usually pretty rock solid, but we were offline for about 7 hours or so. I guess that's bound to happen from time to time with 500 vhosts packed onto a single machine.

We'll make it up with a gratuitous Erin Andrews photo soon enough.