Sullinger out for a game at Ohio State

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Dec. 2 (UPI) -- Second-ranked Ohio State Coach Thad Motta said Friday star forward Jared Sullinger will miss Saturday's game due to back spasms.

Varying reports indicated Sullinger might miss more than just Saturday's meeting with Texas-Pan American, but Motta said Sullinger "is telling me it feels better."

Sullinger, a 6-9 sophomore, is the chief reason the Buckeyes are unbeaten in seven games this season and ranked No. 2 behind Kentucky.

He has averaged 19.1 points and 10.3 rebounds a game. He has hit 62 percent of his attempts from the field and is shooting 83 percent from the foul line.

After Saturday's game, Ohio State does not play again until Dec. 10 at Kansas.