COL BKB: Ohio State 78, Loyala(MD.) 59

A dominating performance by Deshaun Thomas Thursday carried Ohio State to a 78-59 win over Loyola (Md.) and a spot in the NCAA Tournament's third round. The Buckeyes put on the kind of show that made them one of the favorites for the national championship early in the season, steadily pulling away while holding the Greyhounds to just 19 field goals for the contest. Ohio State will face Gonzaga Saturday. Thomas made 13-of-22 shots from the field, scored 31 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. William Buford added 17 points for the Buckeyes (28-7) and Jared Sullinger had 12. Sullinger made just 4-of-14 field goal attempts, but claimed 11 boards. Loyola, which won the Metro-Atlantic Conference tournament as the No. 2 seed to gain a spot in the NCAA field, was led by Erik Etherly with 19 points. The Greyhounds (24-9) were overwhelmed on the boards 46-23.