OHIO — One out of three Ohio teams is advancing in the NCAA Tournament: The Ohio University Bobcats.
In a major upset, the No. 13 seed bumped out the 2019 NCAA Tournament champs, the Virginia Cavaliers 62-58.
COURT STREET! pic.twitter.com/o7qCWU1K9N
— Ohio Basketball (@OhioMBasketball) March 21, 2021
The Bobcats move on to play No. 5 seed Creighton Monday.
Ben Vander Plas and Jason Preston delivered for Ohio after leading the Bobcats to the Mid-American Conference Tournament title.
Vander Plas scored eight of his game-high 17 points during an 18-4 second-half run that erased a 38-31 deficit and gave the Bobcats a 49-42 lead. Ohio (17-7) never trailed again.
Hundreds of fans celebrated the big win back home in Athens.
J Bar Athens LLC., commonly known as J Bar and located on Court Street, received a citation for improper conduct - disorderly activity. The establishment was cited at midnight after agents observed patrons congregated at the main bar.
Patrons reportedly occupied consecutive seats at the bar, while others stood behind them to order. Agents observed patrons dancing on bar stools and walking freely throughout the bar consuming alcoholic beverages. Facial coverings were not worn by most patrons.
Social media users shared videos of the roars downtown on Court Street:
Preston finished with 11 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists. Lunden McDay sealed the victory at the free-throw line in the closing seconds.
Other Ohio teams weren't as lucky. On Friday, Ohio State got knocked out by Oral Roberts in a nail-biter overtime game, losing 75-72. Cleveland State also lost Saturday to Houston, 87-56.