Thompson leads Ohio State over Iona 95-70

Posted March 22, 2013 8:35 pm

Associated Press

DAYTON, Ohio — Sam Thompson had career highs with 20 points and 10 rebounds on Friday night, part of a dominating performance by Ohio State’s front line, and the Buckeyes ran away to a 95-70 victory over Iona in the second round of the West Regional.

The second-seeded Buckeyes (27-7) are in prime March form with nine straight wins, including their last five games in the regular season and a run to the Big Ten tournament title.

Forward Deshaun Thomas has led them in scoring during the streak, averaging 17.6 points. He had 24 points as the Buckeyes’ fast breaks led to dunks and a season high in points, thrilling the large Ohio State contingent.

Iona (20-14) returned to the court where it suffered the biggest meltdown in NCAA tournament history last year, blowing a 25-point lead. The Gaels are 1-9 all-time in the tournament with their only win — over Holy Cross in 1980 — later vacated because of NCAA violations.

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