#9 Kansas proved it was more than just a bully at home.
The redshirt freshman Ben McLemore scored 22 points, leading the Jayhawks to a 74-66 victory Saturday at No. 7 Ohio State. It was the first true road game for Kansas (10-1), which had played six times at home, three times in nearby Kansas City, Mo., and once at a neutral site in Atlanta.
The Buckeyes (9-2) failed to avenge a 64-62 loss to Kansas in last season’s N.C.A.A. semifinals.
The Jayhawks, who won their ninth straight since losing to Michigan State last month in Atlanta, held Ohio State without a field goal for more than 10 minutes in the second half. The Buckeyes shot 9 for 36 from the field in the final 20 minutes.
Deshaun Thomas led Ohio State with 16 points. Shannon Scott scored 15, a career high.
Jeff Withey had 14 points and 10 rebounds for the Jayhawks. Elijah Johnson added 13 points, and Travis Releford scored 11.
Leading by 56-52 with seven minutes left, Kansas pulled away as McLemore took control. He made two free throws and then shot a 15-foot jumper that bounced three times before going in. Off an inbounds pass, McLemore came off a back pick and dunked to push the lead to 62-52 with 5 minutes 22 seconds remaining.
