COL BKB: Ohio State 84, Asheville 66

COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 18 (UPI) -- Jamar Butler had 21 points and 10 assists Tuesday, leading top-seeded Ohio State to an 84-66 victory over UNC-Asheville in the first round of the NIT.

Othello Hunter added 16 points and Kosta Koufos 15 for Ohio State (20-13), which will play either New Mexico or California in the next round.

Reid Augst scored 20 points for UNC-Asheville (23-10), and Bryan Smithson added 17 points. Kenny George, the team's 7-foot-7 center, had 12 points and 11 rebounds.