COLUMBUS, Ohio - Evan Turner hit two jumpers down the stretch and Jon Diebler added two clinching free throws to lead Ohio State past Northwestern 52-47 on Sunday.

Northwestern's Craig Moore is pressured by Ohio State's B.J. Mullens and Jon Diebler. (Terry Gilliam, Associated Press / March 8, 2009)

Ohio State (20-9, 10-8), which nearly blew a 12-point second-half lead, will be the No. 5 seed and Northwestern No. 9 at the Big Ten tournament in Indianapolis.

The win kept coach Thad Matta’s streak of 20-win seasons intact, making him 9-for-9 as a head coach.

Turner had 17 points, Diebler and William Buford 11 apiece and B.J. Mullens 10 for the Buckeyes, who had no seniors to honor at a final home game.

Craig Moore scored 18 points—including a late four-point play—for the Wildcats (17-12, 8-10). Kevin Coble added 13 and Michael Thompson 12.