COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Kaleb Wesson had a career-high 20 points and No. 15 Ohio State held off a Bucknell comeback to win 73-71 Saturday.
Ohio State went on an 11-2 run to take an 11-point with under 10 minutes remaining, but Bucknell stormed back to within three with a 10-2 run and late 3-pointer by Avi Toomer. The Bison got the ball with 14 seconds left but a 3-point try by Bruce Moore hit the front of the rim and Ohio State survived.
Keyshawn Woods had 13 points on 5 for 9 3-point shooting for Ohio State (9-1, 2-0 Big Ten). Wesson had 10 rebounds.
Bucknell (4-4) carried its first-half momentum into the second with a 9-2 run to extend its lead to 49-41. During that stretch, Ohio State’s Andre Wesson — Kaleb’s older brother — had three teeth chipped in a collision on the court and had to be taken to the locker room. He returned later in the game.
The Buckeyes retook the lead at 53-52 with under 14 minutes left, making six straight baskets that included two 3-pointers by Woods.
Toomer and Kimbal McKenzie led Bucknell with 13 points each, and Jimmy Sotos added 12 and seven rebounds. Bucknell’s leading scorer, Nate Sestina, fouled out with 7:17 left. He finished with 10 points.
The Bison trailed by 12 in the first half but closed the final 3:24 with a 15-2 run to take a 40-39 lead on the strength of three 3-pointers.
BIG PICTURE
Bucknell: Size played a major factor, but Bucknell showed no quit in running with the Buckeyes until the final seconds. The Bison’s two-game win streak ended.
Ohio State: Nearly let one get away to a less-talented opponent.
UP NEXT
Bucknell: Visits Saint Mary’s on Tuesday
Ohio State: Hosts Youngstown State on Tuesday
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