COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio State delivered a resounding performance Tuesday night, earning its first victory over a ranked opponent this season with an 86-69 defeat of No. 24 Wisconsin. The win, a much-needed boost for the Buckeyes’ NCAA Tournament hopes, came on the heels of a heartbreaking loss to No. 15 Virginia and avenged an earlier defeat on the road against the Badgers. A dominant showing from guards Devin Royal and Bruce Thornton propelled Ohio State (17-9, 9-6 Big Ten) to a decisive victory, showcasing a well-rounded offensive attack and stifling defense.
Royal, who struggled mightily in the loss to Virginia, shooting just 2-of-12 from the field, ignited the Ohio State offense early, scoring 16 of his season-high 25 points in the first half. Thornton, after a slow start, took over in the second, finishing with 27 points and nearly recording a triple-double with nine rebounds and eight assists. The Buckeyes’ balanced attack also saw contributions from Amare Bynum (13 points) and Taison Chatman (11 points), proving they can find success beyond their star players.
The victory wasn’t just about offensive firepower. Ohio State’s defense proved crucial, holding Wisconsin to just 1-of-8 shooting from three-point range in the first half and forcing 12 turnovers. This defensive pressure translated into points, with the Buckeyes scoring nine points off turnovers before halftime. The Badgers (18-8, 10-5 Big Ten) struggled to find their rhythm, shooting just 45.8% from the field overall.
First-Half Dominance Sets the Tone
From the opening tip, Ohio State displayed an offensive efficiency that Wisconsin struggled to match. Royal’s hot start was pivotal, as he scored seven points in the first four minutes, hitting a turnaround jumper, a three-pointer, and an open layup. Bynum quickly followed with a three-pointer of his own, giving the Buckeyes an early 12-6 lead. Royal continued to find success, carving out space for layups and assisting on a Thornton three-pointer, extending Ohio State’s advantage to 22-10 just over six minutes into the game.
Wisconsin briefly threatened to close the gap, with guard John Blackwell sinking a corner three-pointer, but a quick foul sent him to the bench. Bynum capitalized, hitting a high-arcing floater. As the first half drew to a close, Ohio State launched an 8-0 run fueled by Bynum’s defensive energy – including a blocked shot – and timely shooting from Chatman and Puff Johnson. This surge pushed the Buckeyes’ lead to 14 points at the break, 38-26.
Thornton Takes Over in the Second Half
The Buckeyes continued their momentum after halftime, stretching their lead to as many as 20 points. Thornton, who had just three points in the first half, exploded for 24 second-half points, showcasing a diverse array of moves, including strong drives to the basket and mid-range jumpers. Royal continued to contribute, adding a mid-range jumper and another three-pointer to keep the Badgers at bay.
Despite a late push from Wisconsin guard Braeden Carrington, who finished with 19 points and five three-pointers, Ohio State maintained control. Thornton’s relentless scoring and a key three-pointer from Royal stifled any potential comeback. With just over a minute remaining, Coach Jake Diebler substituted Thornton, allowing the Schottenstein Center crowd to give their star player a standing ovation. Thornton surpassed Jerry Lucas and William Buford to move into third place on Ohio State’s career scoring list, finishing the night with 2,005 career points, according to the Columbus Dispatch. He now trails only Herb Williams (2,011) and Dennis Hopson (2,096) on the all-time list.
Looking Ahead to East Lansing
Ohio State’s victory over Wisconsin marks a significant turning point in their season, providing a crucial resume boost as they navigate the competitive Big Ten landscape. The Buckeyes will now turn their attention to a challenging road matchup against No. 15 Michigan State on Sunday at 1 p.m. On CBS. This game will be another critical test for Ohio State as they continue their pursuit of an NCAA Tournament berth.
The win improved Ohio State’s all-time record against Wisconsin to 92-78. It also marked the first time this season the Buckeyes have defeated a ranked opponent, having previously lost six games against Top 25 teams.
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