Ohio State Buckeyes are Cool Customers, But Ron Lewis is the Coolest

Buckeyes finish game nailing 20 straight free throws, while making 35-41 overall

A free throw is supposed to be the easiest means to score in basketball. Every player has practiced the simple shot hundreds of times, yet it is never a given. In those mere 15 feet, the result of that free throw can make or break a game or even a season.

For the Ohio State Buckeyes (OSU), the charity stripe lived up to its name Saturday against Memphis. The Buckeyes calmly and collectively drained 20 straight free throws to turn a close game into a blow-out, 92-76. They finished the game drilling 35-41 overall, which figures out to an impressive 85 percent enabling them to advance to Atlanta for the Final Four. For being an incredibly young team, OSU displayed the poise of grizzled veterans at the foul line.

Despite all the attention Greg Oden and Mike Conley Jr. receive, it has been senior guard Ron Lewis who keeps displaying the leadership and cool demeanor needed to advance to the Final Four. Lewis has hit all 21 of his free throw attempts in the tournament including going 10-10 against Memphis and 7-7 against Xavier.

It is clear that Ron "Cool" Lewis knows a thing or two about remaining calm following his miraculous three against Xavier that tied the game with two seconds remaining enabling OSU to squeak by in overtime. Lewis has jumped into the spotlight with his deadly scoring prowess. He has now tallied 22, 25, and 27 points in three consecutive NCAA tournament games including saving the Buckeyes season. Lewis also helped OSU erase a 17-point halftime deficit against Tennessee by dropping 18 of his 25 in the second half.

Oden and Conley Jr deserve all the praise in the world for their dominating play. Conley Jr. has solidified his claim as the best point guard in the country as a freshmen, while he plays with soon-to-be No.1 overall NBA pick Greg Oden. Oden's praise came long before the tournament began, but it has been Lewis game in and game out who has not let the Buckeyes' national championship hopes die.

Having only averaged 12.8 points a game during the regular season, Lewis' stretch of three games really extends to his last eight. He has averaged close to 19 points per over that stretch with all eight being in double-digits. Expect the streak to continue when Ohio State takes on the feisty Georgetown Hoyas this Saturday at 6:07ET.

Lewis has done exactly what Tyrus Thomas of the Chicago Bulls did at this time last year playing for LSU, improve draft value. Now, Lewis will not by any means be a lottery pick, but he has darted up the draft board from a likely early second-round pick to a late first-round one.

That kind of rise will mean millions of dollars for Mr. Lewis. Not all players are capable of handling the spotlight of March Madness, but Ron "Cool" Lewis has done more than handle it. He has become a star.