COL BKB: Ohio State 71, Minnesota 45

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 20 (UPI) -- Deshaun Thomas helped No. 18 Ohio State break open the game in the second half and scored 19 points in the Buckeyes' 71-45 victory over Minnesota.

The Golden Gophers, who won 15 of their first 16 games this season, have lost eight of their last 11.

Ohio State outscored Minnesota by 20 points in the second half, forcing 21 turnovers and limiting the Gophers to 29 percent shooting from the field.

Shannon Scott added 11 points for the Buckeyes (19-7, 9-5 Big Ten).

Andre Hollins, with 11 points and eight rebounds, and Oto Osenieks, with 10 points, were the only players to reach double figures for Minnesota. The Gophers fell to 18-9 for the season and to 6-8 in league play.