COL BKB: Ohio State 67, Purdue 49

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 8 (UPI) -- LaQuinton Ross and Lenzelle Smith Jr. combined for 33 points Saturday, propelling No. 25 Ohio State over Purdue 67-49.

Ross accounted for 17 points and Smith contributed 16 with five assists as the Buckeyes (19-5, 6-5 Big Ten) corralled a third straight victory.

After falling behind 6-0 to start the game, Ohio State went on a 20-5 run to take the lead for good.

The Boilermakers (14-10, 4-7) lost a fifth in six games.

Kendall Stephens led Purdue with 12 points in a reserve role.