Dayton stuns Ohio State 60-59 in thrilling finish

Dayton's Dyshawn Pierre (21) knocks the ball away from Ohio State's Lenzelle Smith Jr. (32) today in Buffalo, N.Y.

BUFFALO — Vee Sanford hit the game-winning shot with six seconds remaining and Dayton stunned Ohio State 60-59 in today's NCAA tournament opener at the First NIagara Center.

In just the second meeting between the in-state rivals in 26 years, the schools traded baskets in a thrilling finale.

Flyers guard Dyshawn Pierre hit three free throws after a mindless foul beyond the arc by Shannon Scott to put Dayton ahead 59-58 with 24 seconds left. Ohio State guard Craft answered with a go-ahead drive with 16 seconds left, only to be countered by Sanford's drive seconds later.

Craft's last-ditch runner bounced off the rim.

Dayton (24-10) advances to Saturday's third round, where it will play the winner of today's game between third-seeded Syracuse and No. 14-seed Western Michigan. Ohio State ended its season 25-10.