Road to the Final Four: Ohio State

Florida | UCLA | Georgetown | Ohio State

A look back on how Ohio State reached the Final Four.
- def. Central Connecticut State 78-57
- def. Xavier 78-71 (OT)
- def. Tennessee 85-84
- def. Memphis 92-76

First round

Greg Oden scored 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for his 12th double-double of the season as the Buckeyes romped over 16th-seeded Central Connecticut State 78-57 for their 18th straight victory.

Game Recap | Game Highlights

Second round

Justin Cage's missed free throw gave the Buckeyes life and Ron Lewis took advantage, swishing a 3-pointer with two seconds left to complete an 11-point rally for Ohio State that forced OT. Playing without Greg Oden, who fouled out with 10 seconds left in regulation, Ohio State outscored ninth-seeded Xavier 16-9 in OT to pull out a 78-71 victory.

Game Recap | Game Highlights
Dodd: Stop the presses: OSU senior not ready to be yesterday's news

South regional semis

Led by Ron Lewis (25 points) and Mike Conley Jr. (17 points), the Buckeyes rallied from a 20-point first-half deficit to overcome fifth-seeded Tennessee 85-84. The Vols had one last chance to win it, but Greg Oden, who was plagued by foul trouble much of the game and finished with a season low nine points and three rebounds, swatted away the final shot.

Game Recap | Game Highlights
Doyel: Don't let Oden block reality -- Conley is Buckeyes' MVP

South regional final

A close game much of the way, the Buckeyes took control in the late stages of the second half, using a 20-8 run to dump second-seeded Memphis 92-76 and reach the Final Four for the first time since 1999. Ron Lewis led Ohio State in scoring with 22 points, but Greg Oden's presence was key as he nailed seven of eight shots for 17 points and grabbed nine boards.

Game Recap | Game Highlights
Doyel: Oden shows Dorsey the door -- and it doesn't lead to Atlanta

Our take

The Buckeyes were sure in a precarious position against both Xavier and Tennessee. And what was the tie that binds? Greg Oden foul trouble. That has led to a lack of consistency during the tournament. Fortunately, Ron Lewis and Mike Conley Jr. have stepped it up a notch.