LEXINGTON, Ky., March 15 (UPI) -- Greg Oden had 19 points and 10 rebounds Thursday as No. 1 Ohio State ripped Central Connecticut State, 78-57, in the South Region of the NCAA Tournament.
OSU left no doubt about its power, bolting to a 38-17 halftime lead.
The lead grew to as many as 26 points in the second half.
Jamar Butler had 17 points and five assists, while Ron Lewis scored 13 points for the top-seeded Buckeyes (31-3), who will put their 18-game winning streak on the line against in-state foe Xavier in the second round Saturday.
Javier Mojica led CCSU with 19 points, six rebounds and four assists. Joe Seymore and Tristan Blackwood scored 12 points each, and Jemino Sobers added 10 points and eight rebounds for the 16th-seeded Blue Devils, who had a five-game winning streak snapped.
