EVANSTON, Ill., Feb. 29 (UPI) -- Jared Sullinger banked in a layup with 3.1 seconds remaining Wednesday, boosting No. 11 Ohio State to a 75-73 win over Northwestern.
The Buckeyes survived an upset bid to remain within one game of Big Ten Conference-leading Michigan State with one contest left in the regular season. That game will send Ohio State to Michigan State Saturday.
Ohio State had a 12-point lead with 5:46 to play, but the Wildcats rallied to tie it on a 3-pointer by Alex Marcotullio with 8 seconds left.
After Sullinger put the Buckeyes back in front, Northwestern's John Shurna missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer.
Sullinger scored 22 points with 18 rebounds, while Deshaun Thomas had 19 points and 10 boards for the Buckeyes (24-6, 12-5 Big Ten).
Northwestern (17-12, 7-10) was led by 23 points from Drew Crawford and 22 from Shurna.
