COL BKB: Ohio State 87, Purdue 84

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 8 (UPI) -- William Buford hit three 3-pointers and scored 29 points to lead third-ranked Ohio State past feisty Purdue 87-84 Tuesday.

There were 16 lead changes in the closely fought contest before Buford's jumper with 4:30 to play gave the Buckeyes (21-3, 9-2 Big Ten) the lead for good.

Jared Sullinger added 18 points to the Ohio State attack and Aaron Craft and Deshaun Thomas both scored 13.

D.J. Bird led the Boilermakers (15-9, 5-6) with 24 points. Lewis Jackson and Kelsey Barlow scored 14 apiece.

The two teams both shot 52 percent from the field, but Ohio State won the rebounding battle 31-21.

The score was tied 40-40 at halftime.