The No. 1 seed Ohio State Buckeyes withstood an early 11-2 run by the upstart No. 8 seed George Mason Patriots, countering with a 50-15 run to end the half, and lead 52-26. The Buckeyes have shot an ungodly 63 percent from the floor (75 percent from three), assisting on 11 of 18 made field goals, and have frankly looked unstoppable.
Fifth-year (or is it 50th-year?) senior David Lighty has led the Buckeyes with 17 points on a Jimmer-like five of five from three point land. Beastly widebody Jared Sullinger has added 13 points and seven rebounds, and it appears Mason has little answer for him in the paint.
The Patriots have been led by Ryan Pearson with nine points, three rebounds and two assists. Cam Long has scored five points, but his tournament funk shows no signs of lifting.
After that initial run, Mason has simply looked overmatched by a terrific Buckeyes team performance. Unfortunately for local hoops supporters, their hopes of another Cinderella run in the NCAA tournament may quickly fade to black.