In a game that many expected to be a blow out win for Ohio State, the Buckeyes found themselves edging out the Bowling Green Falcons 61-57 tonight, in their first game in Value City Arena this year.

Trailing 50-49 with 5:20 left, the Buckeyes fought back to escape an early season upset, nailing four key free throws down the stretch to seal the game. Earlier in the half, the Buckeyes blew a lead that was as large thirteen, playing sloppy basketball at times and unable to penetrate the Falcons’ 2-3 zone defense.

Jon Diebler lead the way for OSU, scoring 17 points to go along with 5 rebounds and 3 assists, in what may have been the best game of his young career at Ohio State. Dallas Lauderdale was also a key contributor for Thad Matta’s team, putting up 8 points and 7 rebounds, but more impressively logging 6 blocks, after swatting 7 shots in the Buckeyes’ opener against Delaware State last Thursday. Brian Moten lead Bowling Green in scoring with 16 points, while Daryl Clements added 13 for Louis Orr’s Falcons.

One of the more intriguing story lines of the game was the fact that heralded freshman BJ Mullens had another disappointing game off the bench. Mullens and Lauderdale were never featured on the court at the same time, and the 7-footer from Canal Winchester, Ohio looked lost at times on the floor. Mullens finished with just 2 points and 1 rebound in only 11 minutes of play, and looks to have a long way to go before reaching expectations.

The Buckeyes (2-0) continue their season at noon on Saturday against the Samford Bulldogs at Value City Arena.