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Oden may play for Ohio State vs. Valparaiso

Dec 2, 2006 - 3:44 PM Valparaiso (3-3) at No. 1 Ohio St (6-1) 4:00 pm EST

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Ticker) - Top-ranked Ohio State may have highly regarded freshman Greg Oden in the lineup for the first time Saturday when it looks to rebound from its first defeat of the season against Valparaiso.

The Columbus Dispatch reported on its web site Saturday that Oden will suit up for the Buckeyes.

A 7-foot center who likely would have been drafted No. 1 overall last spring had the NBA not passed a new rule requiring players to be one year removed from high school, Oden has not played since undergoing surgery in June to repair torn ligaments in his right wrist that required surgery in June.

Perhaps the most talented team in the country, Ohio State played well offensively on Wednesday before dropping a 98-89 decision to No. 6 North Carolina. The Buckeyes shot 52 percent (34-of-65) and made half of their 26 3-pointers, but it wasn't enough against the loaded Tar Heels.

Ron Lewis scored 30 points on 11-of-16 shooting, Ivan Harris added 17 off the bench and freshman Daequan Cook chipped in 14.

Valparaiso took on No. 18 Butler on Wednesday before falling short, 60-47. Brandon McPherson scored 14 points and Jarryd Loyd added 10 for the Crusaders, who made just 3-of-17 3-pointers and 8-of-19 free throws.