Ohio State Beats Purdue to Win Outright Big Ten Title

(This happens to be the biggest story in my world. :) It's MARCH MADNESS BAYYYBEEEEE. eaprez)

After waiting 14 years for an outright Big Ten title, Ohio State's fans had to wait a little longer to start the celebration.

Terence Dials scored 20 points, and the ninth-ranked Buckeyes broke the game open with a 14-2 blitz to start the second half to beat Purdue 76-57 today.

J.J. Sullinger had 16 points for the Buckeyes (23-4, 12-4), who have won their past five games and are the top seed heading into this week's Big Ten tournament in Indianapolis. Jamar Butler added 15 points.

In the waning moments, with the outcome long decided, the Ohio State student section chanted, "Big Ten champs!" and "Thank you, seniors."

Despite a dreadful shooting day -- he missed his first 11 shots from the field -- Je'Kel Foster contributed eight points, eight rebounds, five assists and five steals ... and got the loudest reception when he left the game with less than 2 minutes left.

"I asked these guys to help lay the foundation for the future of this program," Ohio State coach Thad Matta said at midcourt. "It looks pretty damned good to me right now."

Ohio State was not mentioned by most pundits in the preseason discussion of Big Ten favorites. But the Buckeyes have prospered with a lineup that includes three fifth-year players and another senior who have made big plays when most needed for second-year coach Matta.

The Buckeyes were eighth, ninth and sixth the past three years in the conference.

The outright title is the school's first since Jim Jackson was the star in 1992 -- and only the second since 1971. It also marked the first time a Big Ten school has captured outright titles in men's and women's basketball in the same season.