 "Photo: Zach Tuggle / The Lantern")
 "Photo: Kathy Cubert / The Lantern")
It truly is love and basketball.
Ohio State point guards Samantha Prahalis and Evan Turner are what many would call, “Facebook official.”
Sure, Turner could talk basketball all day, but it doesn’t compare to the illuminating smile he flashed when asked about his relationship with Prahalis. It’s likely the only interview that has made him blush.
Both sporting No. 21 on their jerseys, they have more in common than meets the eye.
Prahalis and Turner came to OSU from more than 350 miles away — New York and Chicago respectively — but each calls the Schottenstein Center home.
Turner said they met while hanging around the Schott together.
Between practices, lifting, films, press conferences and classes it would seem that there’s no time for a relationship, but despite their hectic schedule they find time to spend with one another.
“We see each other after practice mostly,” Prahalis said. “We go to the movies and stuff. It gets hard but we make it work.”
As if they are on the same wavelength, Turner echoed that they usually find time to hang out after practice.
They also find time to watch one another play, or at least they think.
“I think she comes. It’s so packed I think she’s up there somewhere,” Turner said.
When she’s not traveling, she won’t miss it.
“I’m at most of his games and then he comes when he’s home to see us play,” Prahalis said.
Turner denies that there is added pressure when Prahalis is up in the crowd.
“It’s just basketball,” he said.
Turner admits the guys on the team joke around with him about his new relationship, but for the most part they are being mature about it, for now.
The only argument they have with one another: Who would win if they played one-on-one?
Both have an impressive resume. Prahalis was Big Ten Freshman of the Year last season, while Turner is a contender for National Player of the Year this season.
“If I was a girl, she’d probably give me a run for my money, but I don’t know, I think I might win,” Turner said.
At 6-feet-7-inches, Turner has a foot of height on her, which might be significant.
However, a run for his money may be an understatement. Prahalis may not measure up to his shoulders, but she is hot from behind the arc. She hits 35 percent of her 3-pointers, which surpasses Turner’s 28 percent.
Of course he wouldn’t foul her, because she’s sure to make the fouls shots. She’s shooting 77 percent from the line.
Take away their high-profile status, and their relationship is really no different from that of normal college co-eds.
“I guess I’m hard to impress, but I’m not hard on him,” Prahalis said jokingly.
They have even gotten over a big hump in most relationships; meeting each other’s parents.
“I met her mom and dad and she’s met my mom. They’re good people I like them,” Turner said.
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