Slam City: Ohio State was dunking everything in first half vs. Minnesota

Ohio State might be turning into Lob City of the Midwest. Well, at least for one day.

The Buckeyes were dunking everything in the first half of Thursday’s B1G Tournament showdown against Minnesota. It started early, with Ohio State building a 13-0 lead and continued throughout the half, taking a 39-27 lead into the locker room.

What was particularly impressive was how frequently Ohio State was able to get to the rim. Whether it was from alley-oops, fastbreak opportunities or driving to the basket, the Buckeyes were getting easy buckets through the first 20 minutes.

Below are some of the biggest highlights from Ohio State’s impressive half:

.@kyle_young25's making posters today. pic.twitter.com/DPsfOegi2E

— Ohio State on BTN (@OhioStateOnBTN) March 11, 2021

He spends a lot of time behind the arc.

But Duane Washington Jr. can elevate and throw down, too. 😱@dwizthekid4 // @OhioStateHoops pic.twitter.com/M3So3EdnvR

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) March 11, 2021

Put that man on a poster! 😤@kyle_young25 // @OhioStateHoops pic.twitter.com/LwleX4lbSW

— Ohio State on BTN (@OhioStateOnBTN) March 11, 2021

It goes down as a thunderous dunk, @ahrensjustin12. 😏 pic.twitter.com/xUzusC5ePT

— Ohio State on BTN (@OhioStateOnBTN) March 11, 2021

Putting on a dunk contest in Indy.@JusticeSueing // @OhioStateHoops pic.twitter.com/uxKITpk01q

— Ohio State on BTN (@OhioStateOnBTN) March 11, 2021

Steal ✅
Slam ✅

Musa Jallow comes up with the big @OhioStateHoops play in the final seconds of the first half. pic.twitter.com/fPi5Nuk3jX

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) March 11, 2021

Ohio State had a balanced offensive attack in the first half. E.J. Liddell led the way with 8 points while Justice Sueing, Kyle Young and Duane Washington Jr. all scored 7 points. Musa Jallow added 4 points and C.J. Walker, Zed Key and Justin Ahrens all had 2.

The Buckeyes played the Gophers just once during the regular season, a game Minnesota won 77-60.