OSU's Diebler shoots holes in Illini's postseason hopes

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio State's players would watch other schools rush the court and they always wondered what it would be like if they were in the midst of such a wild celebration.

Now they know.

Jon Diebler once again lit up Illinois from behind the arc, hitting seven 3-pointers for 21 points, to lead the sixth-ranked Buckeyes to a 73-57 victory Tuesday night that assured them of at least a share of the Big Ten title.

For the Illini, however, the loss was another dagger

"The shark got one leg; now it's got another," Illinois coach Bruce Weber said. "It's pulling us under. We'll see if we can get away."

Demetri McCamey had 18 points for the Illini (18-12, 10-7), who have lost two straight and four of five.

Illinois now must win its season finale at home Sunday against No. 15 Wisconsin to clinch a top-five seed in the Big Ten tournament and a first-round bye.

That it was Diebler doing the damage Tuesday really was no surprise. He hit six 3-pointers and scored 18 points in the Buckeyes' 72-53 rout at Illinois on Feb. 14.

"They can use their athleticism to spread us out," Weber said. "When Diebler shoots like that, it really puts you in a bind."

Diebler never took a shot inside the arc, hitting half of his 14 attempts.

"The guys had confidence in me," said Diebler, who was just 3 of 17 on 3-pointers the last two games. "They were collapsing on (our other players) and they were driving. It just left open shots for me. I was fortunate to knock them down tonight."

After the game, just as the Buckeyes had hoped, they were mobbed by fans.

Evan Turner and Dallas Lauderdale had discussed what the reaction would be if they won the title.

"Watching other schools rush the court, I said, 'Dang, I just wonder how it would be if that was to happen!' " Lauderdale said. "Evan was like, 'Let's make it happen.' So that's what we did."

It was the third conference title in the last five years for Ohio State (24-7, 14-4), winners of four straight overall and 13 of 15.

"It felt like you could finally live out one of those moments that they show you when you get recruited here. They show you video of everybody on the floor celebrating, all happy," said Turner, who had his typical, all-around game with 16 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists. "That was cool."