BTN.com staff, November 23, 2012

Deshaun Thomas scored 21 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lift No. 3 Ohio State to a 91-45 win over UMKC on Friday at Value City Arena in Columbus. Both Thomas and Shannon Scott played well for Ohio State (4-0).

Thomas knocked down 6-of-8 shot attempts. Scott had 10 points, hauled in three rebounds, dished out 10 assists, and made 4-of-7 shots from the floor. The Buckeyes shot 61 percent from the field (31-of-51). Ohio State was on fire from beyond the arc during the game, shooting 56 percent (9-of-16). The Buckeyes shot 20-of-30 from the free throw line.

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Ohio State held UMKC (2-3) to 25 percent shooting from the field and grabbed 31 defensive rebounds, while only allowing nine offensive rebounds. The Buckeyes also got double-digit performances from Lenzelle Smith, Jr., who scored 13 and Sam Thompson and LaQuinton Ross, who each scored 11. Ohio State won the rebounding battle en route to victory, pulling down 40 boards to 25 for the Kangaroos. The Buckeyes never trailed in the game.

HALFTIME: Deshaun Thomas scored 15 points and grabbed five rebounds as No. 3 Ohio State leads UMKC 53-18 at the half. Thomas and Shannon Scott are leading the way for the Buckeyes.

Thomas shot 4-of-6 from the field. Scott scored seven points, had seven assists, and shot 3-of-3 from the field. Ohio State was able to draw fouls and get to the line with regularity.

Through 20 minutes of play, the Buckeyes are 9-for-17 from the free throw line. Ohio State led by as many as 36 points in the first half and never trailed. Leading 35-16, the Buckeyes went on a 17-0 run to open up a 36-point advantage. Ohio State hit six threes in the first half, shooting 67 percent from deep.

The Buckeyes distributed the ball well, with 15 assists on 19 field goals in the first half. Ohio State got points from eight different players. Estan Tyler led the way for the Kangaroos in the first half, with seven points and three rebounds.

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