The last time Ohio State won an NIT championship was in 1986 against Wyoming, when they beat the Cowboys 73-63. Dennis Hopson had 26 points and Brad Sellers 17 in that title game.
Tonight at Value City Arena, the Buckeyes celebrated that win by taking down instate rival Dayton 74-63 to reach the semifinal round in New York City next week and a possible meeting with the team that beat them in the NCAA Championship game, Florida.
Ohio State, improving to 22-13, advances to meet Mississippi (24-10) in the NIT semifinals at New York’s Madison Square Garden on Tuesday. The Rebels beat Virginia Tech 81-71 earlier Wednesday night in Blacksburg. Kosta Koufos scored 21 points and Jamar Butler added 12 to lead the Buckeyes, who have won five of their last six games.