Liddell scores 29, No. 17 Ohio State struggles past Niagara

Ohio State's Malaki Branham, left, keeps the ball from Niagara's Jordan Cintron during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Columbus, Ohio, Friday, Nov 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Phil Long)

Niagara's Marcus Hammond drives past Ohio State's Meechie Johnson during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Columbus, Ohio, Friday, Nov 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Phil Long)

Ohio State's Zed Key shoots over Niagara's Sam Iorio during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Columbus, Ohio, Friday, Nov 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Phil Long)

Ohio State's Zed Key grabs a rebound against Niagara during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Columbus, Ohio, Friday, Nov 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Phil Long)

Niagara's Noah Thomasson, center drives into Ohio State's Malaki Branham during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Columbus, Ohio, Friday, Nov 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Phil Long)

Ohio State's E.J. Liddell shoots against Niagara as teammate Jamari Wheeler watches during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Columbus, Ohio, Friday, Nov 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Phil Long)

Niagara's Rob Brown shoots over Ohio State's Justin Ahrens during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Columbus, Ohio, Friday, Nov 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Phil Long)