By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer, and staff
PITTSBURGH (AP) — E.J. Liddell scored 16 points, Big Ten Freshman of the Year Malaki Branham added 14 and seventh-seeded Ohio State shut down 10th-seeded Loyola Chicago from start to finish, winning 54-41 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
The Buckeyes advanced to play Villanova on Sunday in the South Region (2:40 p.m./10-TV).
Loyola shot 27% from the floor.
Braden Norris led Loyola with 14 points but star Lucas Williamson finished with four points on 1-of-10 shooting.
Loyola failed to advance out of the first round after reaching the Sweet 16 last season and the Final Four in 2018.