Columbus, Ohio — Ohio State triumphed with its most impressive performance of the season, rebounding from a devastating loss over the weekend to secure a decisive victory against No. 24 Wisconsin. With NCAA Tournament aspirations at stake, the Buckeyes demonstrated resilience and skill, defeating the Badgers 86-69 at the Schottenstein Center.
Devin Royal emerged as a central figure for Ohio State (17-9, 9-6 Big Ten), contributing significantly during the first half with 25 points overall, 16 of which came early in the game. Bruce Thornton took over in the second half, finishing with 27 points, nearly achieving a triple-double with nine rebounds and eight assists. Adding to the scoring were Amare Bynum with 13 points and Taison Chatman contributing 11.
This victory served not only to improve the Buckeyes’ standing but also avenged an earlier defeat to Wisconsin, enhancing their confidence going forward. The win marked Ohio State’s first victory over a ranked opponent this season, snapping a streak of losses to ranked teams.
In the first half, Ohio State quickly set the tone. Royal got off to a fast start, scoring seven points within the opening four minutes, which helped the Buckeyes establish an early 12-6 lead. His impressive shooting performance included a turnaround jumper and a couple of three-pointers, allowing Ohio State to maintain control.
The Buckeyes’ defense played a pivotal role in the first half, limiting Wisconsin’s scoring opportunities. Ohio State capitalized on turnovers and held the Badgers to just 12 points by the midway point, thanks to their aggressive defensive strategy. The team extended its lead through an 8-0 scoring run before heading to halftime with a 38-26 advantage.
As the second half commenced, Thornton, who struggled initially, began to find his rhythm. His scoring burst allowed Ohio State’s lead to grow to as much as 20 points, showcasing a well-rounded team effort. Thornton scored a series of crucial baskets, while Royal continued to add to the score with timely shots.
Despite Wisconsin’s attempts to close the gap, including a few strong plays from guard Braeden Carrington, Ohio State consistently answered back with high-quality offensive plays. The team stayed poised, never allowing the Badgers to mount a significant comeback.
Coach Jake Diebler’s squad used this performance as a crucial momentum builder, especially with a challenging match against No. 15 Michigan State on the horizon. With a tipoff set for 1 p.m. on Sunday in East Lansing, the Buckeyes are eager to build off this victory.
In celebrating Thornton’s 27-point performance, he also moved into a notable position in Ohio State’s all-time scoring ranks, surpassing Jerry Lucas and William Buford to claim third place. With just 92 points needed to break the record held by Dennis Hopson, Thornton’s continued success could leave a lasting mark on the program’s history.
The Buckeyes will look to sustain their momentum as they prepare for the remainder of the season, focusing on reclaiming a spot in the NCAA Tournament after a challenging start against ranked opponents.