Eric Boggs
Ohio State wrapped up its non-conference schedule exactly the way a growing team should, with a comfortable and convincing 89-63 victory over Grambling State Tuesday night at Value City Arena. While the performance wasn’t flawless, the Buckeyes dominated where it mattered most, controlled the paint, and built momentum heading into full-time Big Ten play.
Ohio State finished the night shooting an impressive 62 percent from the field and owned the interior, outscoring the Tigers 42-20 in the paint. Even with 14 turnovers, the Buckeyes’ efficiency and physical edge made the outcome a formality long before the final horn.
The veteran trio of Bruce Thornton, John Mobley Jr., and Devin Royal set the tone. Mobley delivered one of his most confident shooting performances of the season, knocking down five three-pointers on his way to 20 points. Thornton added 18 points on a smooth 6-of-10 night, continuing his steady leadership, while Royal contributed 16 points with his usual mix of strength and athleticism. Freshman Amare Bynum chipped in 12 points and grabbed a team-high eight rebounds, and Christoph Tilly rounded out the double-figure scorers with 10 points.
Ohio State’s control developed early, even as the offense worked through some ball-security issues against Grambling State’s zone defense. The Buckeyes leaned heavily on their interior presence, scoring 12 of their first 14 points in the paint. Thornton’s floater game opened things up, Bynum splashed the first three of the night, and Royal finished strong at the rim as Ohio State slowly created separation.
After the Tigers crept back within five, the Buckeyes responded with another steady run. Tilly powered inside, Thornton converted at the line, and Ohio State closed the half up 39-24 while shooting better than 68 percent from the floor.
The second half removed any remaining doubt. Thornton and Mobley immediately pushed the lead higher, and Ohio State continued punishing Grambling State inside. A beautifully executed sequence featuring Mobley feeding Brandon Noel, then Noel finding Royal for a dunk, highlighted the Buckeyes’ offensive flow. When Mobley caught fire from deep, hitting three triples in a short span and adding three free throws, the lead ballooned to 73-46 and the game was effectively sealed.
Ohio State closed the night by giving its bench extended minutes, finishing with a lopsided win that sent a clear message: this team is trending in the right direction.
At 9-3 overall and 1-1 in the Big Ten, the Buckeyes now head into conference play with confidence, balance, and depth firmly in place. The next challenge comes after a short break, when Ohio State opens the heart of its Big Ten schedule on the road at Rutgers, carrying both momentum and belief into the new year.
