March Madness 2012: Loyola Borrowed Duquesne's Pep Band For Game Against Ohio State

March Madness Bracket 2012, Ohio State Vs. Loyola Final Score: Buckeyes Clinch Simple 78-59 Win

The Ohio State Buckeyes were at their best on Thursday night, denying the Loyola Greyhounds any hopes of a miracle upset from the opening tip. Deshaun Thomas had an absolutely spectacular night for Ohio State, scoring a game-high 31 points and grabbing a game-high 12 rebounds. Loyola played well, but were simply overmatched, and never looked like they were in the game as the Buckeyes won 78-59.

Jared Sullinger struggled offensively and scored just 12 points, but did well to grab 10 rebounds. The Buckeyes were terrific on the glass as a team, out-rebounding Loyola 45-23. The Greyhounds shot just 35 percent from the floor and didn't have any answer for Thomas, but can leave the NCAA Tournament knowing that they played reasonably well against a top opponent.

For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stay with SB Nation D.C., and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket and tons of analysis on who was snubbed, who got the best bracket, and who will make it all the way to New Orleans and the Final Four.

Ohio State Vs. Loyola Score: Buckeyes Lead 42-31 At Halftime

The Loyola Greyhounds have been competitive in the first half, but there's a pretty clear talent gap between them and the No. 2 seed Ohio State Buckeyes. Jared Sullinger isn't having a fantastic game for OSU -- he's just 4-12 from the floor -- but the Buckeyes have still been able to create lots of quality buckets in the paint. Loyola is playing very hard on defense, but just isn't making enough baskets to match Ohio State, and the Buckeyes lead 42-31 at the half.

Deshaun Thomas leads the Buckeyes with 14 points on 5-12 shooting, and he has six rebounds, along with Sullinger. Lenzalle Smith leads the Buckeyes with seven boards, and that's where OSU has their biggest advantage. They're shooting just 34 percent, but they have the lead thanks to their 10 offensive rebounds. They're also getting to the charity stripe, and they're 15-18 from the free-throw line.

For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stay with SB Nation D.C., and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket and tons of analysis on who was snubbed, who got the best bracket, and who will make it all the way to New Orleans and the Final Four.

March Madness Schedule 2012: Loyola Maryland Vs. Ohio St. Game Time And TV Schedule

Thursday is the first real day of the 2012 NCAA Tournament, featuring a full slate of games. That includes Loyola (MD), a local team that has a pretty serious uphill battle on Thursday when they face the No. 2 seed in the bracket Ohio State.

The game will be played in Pittsburgh, so in addition to the talent advantage that the Buckeyes have, they will also have a pretty significant home court advantage. The game starts late, so make sure you don't tucker yourself with basketball all day before the game even starts. It is scheduled to get underway at 9:50 pm tonight and can be found on TNT.

For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stay with SB Nation D.C., and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket and tons of analysis on who was snubbed, who got the best bracket, and who will make it all the way to New Orleans and the Final Four.