Miami notes: Rare game at Nationwide Arena

Ohio State's Aaron Craft (left) drives the baseline against Miami's Quinten Rollins during the first half of their game Thursday at Nationwide Arena in Columbus. Associated Press photo by Jay LaPrete

Jay LaPrete/FRE Ohio State's Aaron Craft (left) drives the baseline against Miami's Quinten Rollins during the first half of their game Thursday at Nationwide Arena in Columbus. Associated Press photo by Jay LaPrete

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By Pete Conrad, Staff Writer Updated 12:37 AM Friday, December 23, 2011

COLUMBUS — Miami University’s defense against Ohio State’s All-American center, Jared Sullinger, helped keep the RedHawks within reach of the second-ranked Buckeyes in the first half.

After seeing OSU take an 11-0 lead, Miami trailed at the half 26-17 when sophomore center Drew McGhee, junior center Vince Legarza and senior forward Julian Mavunga teamed to limit Sullinger to seven points.

Four of those points came in the first 3 minutes, 15 seconds. Over the rest of the half, Sullinger made no baskets and only three free throws.

Mavunga also blocked a shot by Sullinger, who missed his last four field goal attempts of the half.

The halftime point totals were season lows for both teams.

Jumpin’ Julian: One of only three college basketball players in the nation averaging more than 20 points and 10 rebounds made his presence known at Nationwide Arena on Thursday night, and it wasn’t Sullinger, though his numbers (16.7 points 9.6 rebounds) are impressive.

Mavunga came into the contest averaging 20.3 points (ranked 20th in the nation) and 10.8 rebounds (13th).

Mavunga also ranks among the country’s top 20 in percentage of games with double-doubles (tied for eighth), percentage of team points scored (fourth), free throws made per game (third), minutes played (third) and games played of 40 or more minutes (tied for fifth).

Mavunga has 20 career double-doubles, including 13 in his last 21 games.

Why Nationwide? The Buckeyes had not played a home game at Nationwide Arena in downtown Columbus in five years. So why was Thursday’s contest not played at OSU’s normal home court, Value City Arena?

The NCAA requires schools which are playing host to NCAA Tournament games in any given season to hold at least one game on the court where those postseason games are to be played.

Ohio State will serve as the host for the 2012 tournament’s second- and third-round games on March 16 and 18 at Nationwide.

The Buckeyes are undefeated in their only two previous appearances at Nationwide.

Ohio State beat Virginia Tech 62-57 on Dec. 6, 2003 and Youngstown State 91-57 on Nov. 24, 2006.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2197 or Pete.Conrad@coxinc.com.

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