Wow. What a game.

A little history:

OSU's coach, Thad Matta (yes, that's his real name) used to coach Xavier. He took Xavier deep into the NCAA tourney back in 2002. He was recruited by OSU, but told Xavier fans that he was not leaving. Well, he did and the Xavier fans felt betrayed and don't like coach Matta too much anymore.

Today, Ohio State's men's basketball team faced off against Xavier for the opportunity to go to the Sweet Sixteen. Things were looking a little shakey in the first half. The favored Buckeyes weren't taking control of the game like I had hoped. It was OK though, because OSU has been know to keep games close against opponents they are 'supposed to beat' and then pulling it out at the end for the win. However, as the second half progressed, it was looking grim. Xaxier opened a lead and was keeping it. With only a few minutes left, Xavier was up by nine. There was plenty of time, but Ohio State needed to get going, and quickly. The game picked up and OSU drained a three and then scored two more quickly after a steal. With the clock winding down and the margin only two, Ohio State stole the ball again, but missed two shot attempts. Xavier got the rebound and OSU quickly fouled them with only 9 seconds left in the game. Going to the line with two foul shots, the Xavier player made the first one, but missed the second giving OSU one last shot to tie the game. Ron Lewis did just that making a three pointer with two seconds left on the clock. The game went into overtime where OSU scored the first seven points and never looked back. Wow. I was literally onmy feet for the last ten minutes of the game. It was the most exciting win I have seen in a long time. I'm sure that it had to be bitter sweet for Coach Matta since he recruited several of the Xavier players and was good friends with the current Xavier coach. Still OSU is going to the Sweet Sixteen to face either Tennesee or Virginia. GO BUCKS!!