No. 3 Ohio State 74, Central Connecticut State 56: LaQuinton Ross scored 23 points on 9-of-13 shooting to lead the host Buckeyes past the Blue Devils.

Lenzell Smith Jr. tallied 17 points for Ohio State (8-0), which is unbeaten in seven home games this season. Amir Williams added 11 points and three blocks.

Faronte Drakeford had 12 points and five rebounds for Central Connecticut State (2-6). Matt Mobley added 10 points off the bench and was 8-of-8 from the line – the only Blue Devils’ player to attempt a free throw.

Central Connecticut State overcame a slow start and crept within 49-41 on Drakeford’s jumper with just under 14 minutes to play. The Buckeyes responded with a 10-0 surge to get the margin up to 18 and cruised to the finish.

Ohio State jumped out to early leads of 13-2 and 20-6 and appeared primed to roll to an easy win. But the Blue Devils cut their deficit to five with 4 1/2 minutes left in the first half and trailed 38-29 at the break.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Ohio State has won 74 consecutive home games against unranked opponents dating back to a loss to West Virginia on Dec. 27, 2008. … Central Connecticut State recorded a 29-28 rebounding edge. … Buckeyes G Aaron Craft had just two assists and his career count of 570 is nine shy of the school record held by Jamar Butler (2004-08).