Eric Boggs
Ohio State handled its final mid-major tune-up on Tuesday night, leaving no doubt about its readiness for a challenging stretch ahead. The Buckeyes dominated Mount St. Mary’s from start to finish in a 113-60 victory, improving to 6-0 and capping off a successful homestand.
John Mobley Jr. delivered the most complete performance of his young career, erupting for 26 points on 10-of-15 shooting, including four three-pointers. The sophomore guard attacked at every level of the floor and committed just one turnover, displaying the poise and creativity that make him such a promising long-term piece for Jake Diebler’s offense.
Four more Buckeyes reached double figures in a game where Ohio State shot an astounding 64.1% from the field and 48.4% from deep. Devin Royal (pictured) continued his efficient play with 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting, Bruce Thornton added 14 points with five assists, five rebounds and two steals, and center Ivan Njegovan posted a perfect 7-of-7 night for a career-best 15 points. Royal and Mobley set the tone early, and the Buckeyes never wavered.
Mount St. Mary’s stayed within reach early, tying the game once and trailing just 10-8 after five minutes. But once Ohio State found its rhythm, the Mountaineers had no answers. An 8-0 run sparked by an Amare Bynum three-pointer opened the floodgates, followed by a 6-0 burst punctuated by Mobley’s smooth midrange work. A Christoph Tilly three pushed the lead to 29-15 less than 10 minutes in, giving the Buckeyes full command.
After a brief push from Mount St. Mary’s, Ohio State slammed the door with a powerful 21-3 run to close the first half. Thornton knocked down a series of threes, Tilly converted an old-school three-point play, and Brandon Noel joined the barrage with a deep ball of his own as the Buckeyes doubled up the Mountaineers 52-26 at the break.
The second half brought more of the same. Mobley opened with a logo three and a midrange jumper, while Royal showcased his growth with a four-point play and strong attacks from the mid-block. Njegovan added seven quick points during one stretch, including a top-of-the-key three, while Mobley continued to bury shots from all over the floor before checking out to a well-earned ovation.
With the bench finishing off the final minutes, Amare Bynum delivered one of the night’s highlights—a coast-to-coast drive capped by a dunk that pushed Ohio State past the century mark. When the horn sounded, the Buckeyes had posted their second-highest scoring total of the season and left little doubt about the direction this team is heading.
Now the season’s first true test awaits. Ohio State hits the road to face Pitt on Tuesday, looking to avenge last year’s loss in Columbus. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. on ESPN.
Thornton’s ascent up the program’s all-time assist list continued as he climbed to No. 6, and Njegovan and Taison Chatman each recorded career highs. Christoph Tilly exited late in the first half with a lower-body injury, but Jake Diebler emphasized postgame that keeping him out was precautionary as the forward was seen smiling and pedaling on an exercise bike before returning to the bench.
With momentum building and challenges looming, Ohio State looks poised, confident and connected—and hungry to prove itself on the road.
