BTN.com staff, BTN.com staff, February 20, 2013

Deshaun Thomas overcame a slow start to score 19 points and No. 18 Ohio State used a 16-0 second-half run to beat Minnesota 71-45 on Wednesday night. Shannon Scott added 11 points and LaQuinton Ross 10 for the Buckeyes, who have won the last six meetings with the Golden Gophers overall and the last six in Columbus.

The teams came into the night in dire need of a Big Ten win. Both had lost three of their last four, and each was humiliated on the road on Sunday. The Golden Gophers (18-9, 6-8 Big Ten) were pounded at Iowa, 72-51, while Ohio State (19-7, 9-5) wasn't a factor over the final 35 minutes in a 71-49 rout by Wisconsin.

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Watch our full Minnesota-Ohio State highlight:

Aaron Craft beats the first-half buzzer:

Trevor Mbakwe rises for slam:

LaQuinton Ross goes for easy slam:

FINAL: No. 18 Ohio State used stingy defense to defeat Minnesota 71-45 on Wednesday at Value City Arena in Columbus. Ohio State (19-7) held Minnesota (18-9) to 29 percent shooting from the field. Shannon Scott boosted the Buckeyes, with 11 points, five assists, and 3-of-5 shooting from the field. Other Ohio State scorers in double figures included LaQuinton Ross (10 points) and Deshaun Thomas (19 points). The Golden Gophers grabbed 18 offensive rebounds. Minnesota got double-figure scoring from Oto Osenieks (10 points) and Andre Hollins (11 points). The Golden Gophers lost despite outrebounding Ohio State 44-34.

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HALFTIME: No. 18 Ohio State leads 29-23 over Minnesota at the half thanks to a productive first 20 minutes from Aaron Craft. The junior point guard hit a buzzer-beating 3-pointer and finished the half with five points, three rebounds and three steals. Deshaun Thomas scored seven points to pace the Buckeyes, who also received six points from Sam Thompson. It was not the prettiest of first halves, as both teams had 10 turnovers and they combined for 19 fouls. The Golden Gophers' Maurice Walker had a big first half, with seven points and six rebounds.

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