Ohio State notebook: Koufos scores big when he relaxes

Head Coach Thad Matta message to Kosta Koufos in Ohio State's last game was to relax and play within himself.

The freshman from GlenaOak High School heeded his coach's words and responded with a game-high 21 points in Saturday's 87-43 win over Presbyterian. It was a big lift for Koufos after a tough few weeks.

Koufos shot just 1-of-10 from the field when the Buckeyes faced top-ranked North Carolina. Matta also sat him out during the final 13 minutes of the Coppin State game, saying Koufos was not as aggressive as he needed to be.

Matta said Koufos is a perfectionist, but believes the 7-foot forward is doing a better job of not letting a tough play affect the next play he has to make.

"He is understanding there may be a missed shot or a shot you think you got

fouled on, but you have to get back and defend and we have to come back on

offense," Matta said. "I think that's just him feeling his way into it."

Koufos finished 8-of-9 from the floor in Saturday's game.

Big day in C-Town

Tonight's game against Cleveland State at Quicken Loans Arena will be the inaugural John McLendon Scholarship Classic game. It will be an annual game that involves the Vikings and honor the memory of McLendon, a Basketball Hall of Famer and the first black man to coach at predominantly white university when he was hired by CSU in 1966.

Ohio State Director of Athletics Gene Smith, a Cleveland native, will also be recognized earlier in the day as a member of the inaugural induction of the Legends Class of Minority Athletics Administrators.

Looking back

The Buckeyes' last road game in Ohio was against the Vikings on Dec. 17, 1994, at The Q. Malcolm Sims hit a 3-pointer with 14 seconds left to give Cleveland State a 75-73 victory. It is Ohio State's only loss in six games against the Vikings.

Moving on up

Jamar Butler recorded his 400th career assist against Presbyterian. It set up a Koufos 3-pointer at the end of the first half. With 405 assists, Butler ranks sixth on Ohio State's career list. He is just 14 shy of tying former McKinley High School star Ron Stokes for fifth place.

Reach Repository sports writer Mike Popovich at (330) 580-8341 or e-mail mike.popovich@cantonrep.com