Evan Turner and Robbie Hummel have more in common than a history of back injuries.
Hummel tied a Purdue record by nailing eight 3-pointers in the first half, but Turner torched the Boilermakers down the stretch, fueling the Buckeyes to a 70-66 win Tuesday at Mackey Arena.
Down 12 at halftime, the Buckeyes rallied from a 10-point deficit in the final four minutes, as Turner scored 14 consecutive OSU points to push the Bucks ahead, 66-64.
Turner finished the game with 32 points —23 in the second half — and nine rebounds.
Hummel finished with 35 points — 29 in the first half — and 10 rebounds, hitting 11 of 19 field goals, including 8 of 13 from beyond the arc.
Still, despite the forward’s refusal to misfire, Ohio State kept close for much of the game, thanks in part to a feisty defensive press and, of course, Turner’s dominant play.
“We just kept fighting and coach [Thad Matta] really stressed toughness,” Turner said.
Ohio State (12-5, 2-3) plays host to Wisconsin at home Saturday.
