COL BKB: Ohio State 70, Nebraska 44

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 2 (UPI) -- DeShaun Thomas led the way with 22 points Wednesday in helping No. 8 Ohio State romp past Nebraska 70-44 in the Big Ten opener for both schools.

The Buckeyes broke the game open by holding the Cornhuskers scoreless for the final 3:55 of the first half and the first 1:30 of the second. Ohio State scored 14 straight points in that stretch and ran its record to 11-2.

Lenzelle Smith was the only other Ohio State player in double figures with 17 points.

The Buckeyes held Nebraska (9-5) to 30 percent shooting from the field. Ray Gallegos had 14 points for the Cornhuskers.

The teams combined to commit a mere 17 fouls for the game and there were only 21 free throw attempts, 12 of which were missed.