NCAA West Regional: Ohio State’s LaQuinton Ross was ready for moment

Ohio State’s LaQuinton Ross received a lot of attention in the last 24 hours.

That happens when you step up and make a tie-breaking three-pointer with 2.1 seconds left to keep alive your team’s dreams of winning a national title.

Ross’ shot on Thursday gave Ohio State a 73-70 victory over Arizona, advancing the Buckeyes to Saturday’s NCAA West Regional final against Wichita State at Staples Center.

Asked what the aftermath had been like, Ross said, “Basically, just a lot of phone calls, a lot of texts, a lot of stuff on Twitter.”

Ross, a 6-foot-8 sophomore from Jackson, Miss., said it was the first time this season that he took a potential game-winning shot in the final seconds.

Ross said he could recall watching Kobe Bryant, Robert Horry and other Lakers making huge shots at Staples Center.

“I definitely grew up watching the Lakers -- I’m still a Lakers fan,” he said. “I watched Kobe hit numerous shots in this building and other buildings that were game-winners, so it was a great experience for me to hit one too.”

Ohio State guard Aaron Craft said he did not hesitate to pass the ball when Ross came open. Craft said Ross had been “talking trash” to broadcaster Reggie Miller during practice.

“I think he just wanted to add to that,” Craft quipped.

Ross chuckled when apprised of Craft’s comment.

“I was feeling good when we were practicing,” he said. “I made a comment like, ‘Somebody get Reggie out here.’ After practice Craft actually walked over with me to Reggie Miller and told him what I said, so that was the situation. He was joking around.”

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