Eric Boggs
Ohio State’s postseason hopes were on the line Tuesday night, and the Ohio State Buckeyes men’s basketball squad responded like a team refusing to let March slip away, delivering their most complete performance of the season in an emphatic 86–69 win over the Wisconsin Badgers. Coming off a crushing collapse against the Virginia Cavaliers, this matchup carried must-win urgency, and Ohio State rose to the moment behind the combined brilliance of Bruce Thornton and Devin Royal.
Royal set the tone early with a dominant first half, attacking the paint, knocking down perimeter shots, and dictating tempo with poise that had been missing days earlier. He poured in 16 first-half points on his way to a season-high 25, giving the Buckeyes early control and the confidence of a team playing with its season on the line. Amare Bynum added energy on both ends with 13 points and a momentum-shifting block, while Taison Chatman chipped in 11 and helped stretch the lead late in the half.
Wisconsin briefly threatened behind hot shooting from Braeden Carrington, who led all Badgers with 19 points, but Ohio State’s defensive pressure limited clean looks and forced mistakes. When John Blackwell picked up early fouls and had to sit, the Buckeyes seized momentum and never gave it back, heading into halftime up double digits after holding Wisconsin to just one made three-pointer. Contributions from Nolan Winter, Nick Boyd, and Hayden Jones kept the Badgers competitive, but they never seriously threatened once Ohio State’s offense found rhythm.
That rhythm came from Thornton, who exploded after halftime with 24 of his 27 points and flirted with a triple-double by adding nine rebounds and eight assists. His takeover stretch midway through the second half turned a comfortable lead into a rout, and when head coach Jake Diebler subbed him out in the closing minute, the Schottenstein Center crowd rose in appreciation of a performance that may have saved the Buckeyes’ season.
The victory not only avenged an earlier loss to Wisconsin but also snapped Ohio State’s winless skid against ranked opponents and pushed its record to 17-9 overall and 9-6 in conference play, firmly keeping NCAA Tournament aspirations alive. For a fan base that understands the thin margin between bubble and bracket, this was exactly the kind of statement performance required in February.
Individually, the night marked another historic milestone for Thornton. The four-year floor general surpassed Buckeye legends Jerry Lucas and William Buford on the all-time scoring list and now sits third in program history with 2,005 career points. He is closing in on Herb Williams for second place and is within striking distance of the school record held by Dennis Hopson, a remarkable achievement that underscores his consistency and leadership throughout his career.
Most importantly for Buckeye Nation, the win ensured that meaningful basketball remains ahead. With another ranked test looming on the road against the Michigan State Spartans, Ohio State has positioned itself for a chance to build real momentum. If Tuesday proved anything, it’s that when their backs are against the wall, this team still has the firepower, composure, and star power to keep its tournament dream alive.
