Evan Turner Shoots Down Michigan, Ohio State Advances

Evan Turner now has a highlight real shot to add to his National Player of the Year Resume. The Ohio State junior took an inbounds pass with 2.2 seconds left and hit a shot just inside the halfcourt line to give Ohio State a thrilling 69-68 win over rival Michigan in Friday’s opening quarterfinal of the Big Ten Tournament. Turner finished with 18 points as top-seeded Ohio State survived a furious late rally by the Wolverines.

Michigan trailed for most of the second half, but rallied to take a pair of two point leads in the final minute. Manny Harris hit a short jumper with 30 seconds left to give Michigan a 66-64 lead. David Lighty tied it for Ohio State with 14 seconds left, but Harris answered again. His 15 footer with 2.2 seconds remaining appeared to send Michigan through with a major upset, but the Wolverines didn’t respect Turner.

After a timeout, Turner collected the inbounds pass and dribbled to the right side of the floor. His shot hit nothing but net and the celebration was on as the Buckeyes mobbed him at half court. A short review confirmed the shot came well in in advance of the buzzer.

Turner’s theatrics stole the show from Harris, who may have played the game of the tournament in the loss. Harris finished with 26 points, scoring 22 in the second half. It was also a game filled with drama that was lacking on the first day of the tournament. Ohio State's dream of a number one seed in the NCAA Tournament is still alive, but barely heading into Saturday's semifinal against either Wisconsin or Illinois.