Eric Boggs
Ohio State basketball began the 2025-26 season in electrifying fashion, delivering one of the most explosive offensive performances in program history. The Buckeyes poured in 118 points in their season-opening win over IU Indy, marking the second-highest single-game scoring output ever for the program— just three shy of the school record of 121 set in 1995 against George Mason.
The Buckeyes shot a blistering 63% from the field in a contest that featured 130 combined field-goal attempts. Three players scored at least 20 points, with freshman center Christoph Tilly making a spectacular debut by leading the way with 28 points. Veteran guard Bruce Thornton added 26, while forward Devin Royal contributed 22. Sophomore guard John Mobley Jr. added 16 points and eight assists, though he also committed five turnovers in the fast-paced affair.
Ohio State also set a new school record for free throws made in a game, converting 42 of 53 attempts from the line. The previous mark of 38 had stood since 2013. The constant full-court press and physical style from IU Indy led to an avalanche of fouls, with the Jaguars committing 36 total infractions.
Despite the offensive fireworks, head coach Jake Diebler’s squad saw clear areas for improvement on defense. IU Indy’s high-tempo system managed to score 102 points—the first time an opponent has reached triple digits in regulation against Ohio State since 1998. The Jaguars connected on 12 three-pointers, led by Kameron Tinsley and Kyler D’Augustino, who tallied 22 and 21 points, respectively.
Ohio State started hot, hitting its first eight shots and racing to a 16-6 lead just three minutes into the game. Tilly and Royal controlled the paint while Thornton and Mobley connected from deep. The Jaguars kept the pressure on, however, cutting the lead to one possession midway through the first half. That’s when Ohio State flipped the switch defensively.
Two steals by Royal sparked a dominant stretch where the Buckeyes forced six turnovers in just over two minutes, turning them into a 13-0 run capped by Tilly’s first three-pointer in scarlet and gray. Another burst highlighted by Thornton’s floater and Mobley’s reverse layup gave Ohio State a 56-35 advantage. The Buckeyes entered halftime up 66-50 after Royal’s second-chance bucket capped an efficient offensive half.
Tilly opened the second half by scoring seven straight points, showing off advanced post footwork and a confident jumper. Mobley and Thornton continued to push the pace, and sophomore guard Taison Chatman drilled his first three-pointer of the season to extend the lead to 20 points. Forward Brandon Noel added a smooth hook shot and contributed on the boards as Ohio State maintained control.
Even with the game well in hand, IU Indy refused to quit, cutting the lead to 10 late in the second half behind hot shooting from D’Augustino and Tinsley. But a late 7-0 Buckeye run sealed the deal, giving Ohio State a 118-102 victory to open the season on a high note.
The Buckeyes experimented with a smaller lineup throughout the night, featuring Gabe Cupps, Mobley, and Thornton in a three-guard rotation alongside Royal and freshman Amare Bynum. While the group flashed offensive potential, 17 turnovers against the Jaguars’ full-court press showed there’s still work to do in handling pressure.
The pace of play was relentless, with a staggering 162 total possessions between the two teams—a testament to both IU Indy’s up-tempo style and Ohio State’s willingness to run.
For the Buckeyes, the night was a statement of offensive potential and depth under Diebler’s direction. With Tilly emerging as a legitimate interior force and multiple perimeter threats firing efficiently, the 2025-26 season opener hinted at a team capable of both exciting fans and contending in the Big Ten.
Ohio State continues its homestand Friday night against Purdue Fort Wayne, with tipoff set for 6:30 p.m. on the Big Ten Network.
