Nov. 28, 2005

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Ron Lewis scored seven points in a 10-0 game-closing run to lead Ohio State to a 69-56 victory over Virginia Tech on Monday night in the opening game of the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.

J.J. Sullinger scored 14 points, Sylvester Mayes 13, Terence Dials 11 and Lewis had 10 for the Buckeyes (3-0), who had lost three of their four previous matchups in the Challenge.

Zabian Dowdell scored 15 points and Coleman Collins had 14 points and 14 rebounds for the Hokies (5-2).

Ohio State led by as many as 21 points in the first half only to have Virginia Tech claw back with its trapping defense. After shooting 61 percent from the field in building a 46-25 halftime lead, the Buckeyes hit 29 percent from the field over the final 20 minutes.

The Hokies pulled to 59-56 on Jamon Gordon's short jumper with 2:39 left but the rest of the game belonged to Ohio State.

The Buckeyes were deliberate at the other end before Je'Kel Foster's quick pass set up Lewis' long 3-pointer for a 62-56 lead with 2:09 left.

Dowdell's jumper was short at the other end, with Matt Sylvester rebounding for the Buckeyes and throwing a long pass to Lewis who was streaking toward the basket. As he released his shot, he was pushed by Dowdell, who was called for an intentional foul.

Lewis hit one of the two free throws and then Sylvester scored on a follow to make it 65-56 with just over a minute remaining.

After the Hokies missed two more shots, Lewis added a three-point play and Dials hit a foul shot.

Virginia Tech was making its first road trip of season. The Hokies had won four straight since a 72-71 home loss to Bowling Green on Nov. 12.

Dials picked up his second foul with 6:37 left in the half and Ohio State leading 29-22. The Buckeyes went on a 14-1 run with backup center Matt Terwilliger getting it started with a basket inside. Mayes added a 3-pointer and a layup, Sullinger hit two shots inside and Foster also hit a 3. Sylvester had three assists during the spurt that pushed the lead to 43-23.

Dials' playing time was limited but he was still effective, scoring eight points in nine minutes.