Ohio defeat Syracuse for Final Four birth

The Ohio State Buckeyes managed to keep a pesky Syracuse offense at bay and win the East Region finals 77-70 today. As predicted earlier, the inside domination of Sophomore Jared Sullinger was the key difference in the Buckeyes victory.

Despite playing without star Centre Fab Melo, the Orange was fielding one of the best teams in years and managed to stay within striking distance for most of the game. After Sullinger found himself in foul trouble early in the first half, Syracuse had a chance to make the most of the situation - but could only manage to finish the half in a 29-29 tie.

This proved fatal as Sullinger came out in the second with a vengeance, scoring 15 points and 9 rebounds as well as being instrumental in almost all of the Buckeye's offensive plays.

Ohio State now go to New Orleans for the Final Four to take on the winner of the UNC-Kansas match in the Mid-West bracket. For Syracuse, it was a valiant effort after many had wrote them off early in the tournament and they can return to New York with their heads held high.

The North Carolina-Kansas game will be live on ESPN tomorrow morning.