NO. 6 OHIO STATE 78, MINNESOTA 68: Still smarting from Saturday's home loss to Michigan State, sixth-ranked Ohio State vented its frustration early with a 20-0 run that paved the way for a rebound victory at Minnesota.

The Buckeyes (22-4, 10-3 Big Ten) held the Golden Gophers scoreless for a span of 7:25 in the first half, breaking a tie game wide open and building a 32-12 cushion.

Six players scored during the blitz, which began with a William Buford 3-pointer and included back-to-back breakaway dunks by freshman Sam Thompson.

Minnesota (17-9, 5-8) eventually cut the deficit to eight points with 1:07 left, but it could get no closer.

The Golden Gophers, who came into the game ranked 11th in the Big Ten in turnover margin, put themselves in a hole with 11 giveaways in the first half. Six of those miscues came during Ohio State's 20-point outburst.

Buford and Jared Sullinger did the heavy lifting for the visitors, finishing with 24 and 23 points, respectively. They scored 12 points each in the first half while staking the Buckeyes to a 40-28 lead, then combined to score 20 straight Ohio State points beginning at the 15:11 mark of the second half.

Rodney Williams led Minnesota with 21 points and nine rebounds.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Ohio State has won its last five games against the Golden Gophers ... Minnesota outscored the Buckeyes in the paint, 36-22 ... Ohio State, now leading the Big Ten by a half game over Michigan State, will be on the road again Saturday at No. 19 Michigan, while Minnesota travels to Northwestern.