OHIO STATE 87, PURDUE 84: William Buford scored 21 of his game-high 29 points in the second half — including seven during a critical stretch late — as No. 3 Ohio State held off gritty Purdue.

With the win, the Buckeyes (21-3, 9-2 Big Ten) increased their lead over second-place Michigan State to 1½ games. They also extended their home win streak to 39.

After Purdue (15-9, 5-6 Big Ten) tied the game at 73, Buford scored on three straight possessions for the Buckeyes — including a 3-pointer that put them ahead 80-73 with 2:38 left.

Trailing by five with 57 seconds left, the Boilermakers had a chance to cut the lead to one possession but misfired on two straight attempts. The second miss led to a fastbreak opportunity for the Buckeyes, who increased their margin to seven on a Buford dunk with 42 seconds left.

Jared Sullinger had 18 points for Ohio State, which won its sixth straight after a 3-2 conference start. Deshaun Thomas and Aaron Craft each added 13.

D.J. Byrd had a career-high 24 points for Purdue, which has lost four of five after a 4-2 Big Ten start. Kelsey Barlow and Lewis Jackson each added 14.

Byrd, a junior guard, almost single-handedly kept Purdue in the game early. He made all five of his 3-point attempts in the first half as the Boilermakers entered the half tied at 40. Both teams shot better than 60 percent in the first half.

Ohio State finished 52 percent from the field and held a 31-21 advantage on the glass.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Purdue made seven 3-pointers in the first half … Ohio State took a 7-0 lead less than three minutes in, prompting a timeout from Boilermakers head coach Matt Painter … Ohio State trailed in the second half for the first time in its last 21 home games … Sullinger hobbled off the court with 1:07 left after falling on his tailbone … The teams combined for just 10 turnovers.