Eric Boggs
The Ohio State Buckeyes men’s basketball team delivered a statement victory on Saturday, dominating the No. 4-ranked Kentucky Wildcats 85-65 in the CBS Sports Classic at Madison Square Garden. In what can only be described as the biggest win of the season thus far, the Buckeyes displayed poise, energy, and execution to secure the win.
Ohio State came out firing on all cylinders in the first half, playing their best 20 minutes of basketball this season. Shooting an impressive 63% from the field, the Buckeyes consistently penetrated the Wildcats’ defense to generate high-percentage shots in the paint. Bruce Thornton led the charge with a game-high 30 points, setting the tone early with aggressive drives and clutch finishes. Freshman John Mobley Jr. contributed 15 points, while former Wildcat Aaron Bradshaw added 11 points off the bench in his return to the court.
The Buckeyes’ balanced attack was evident from the outset. Mobley Jr. opened the scoring with a deep three-pointer, while Thornton and Sean Stewart added key baskets to establish an early rhythm. However, it was Bradshaw who stole the show in the first half. Playing with a chip on his shoulder after missing seven games due to a university investigation, he scored nine points on 4-for-4 shooting, including a three-pointer. Evan Mahaffey added six points, including a highlight-worthy dunk off a slick assist from Mobley Jr. By halftime, Ohio State held a nine-point lead and all the momentum.
The second half saw the Wildcats attempt to mount a comeback, briefly cutting the deficit to six points following a three-point play by Kentucky’s Otega Oweh. However, the Buckeyes’ resilience shone through as Thornton and Mobley responded with back-to-back baskets, regaining control of the game. The high-energy play from both teams captivated the Madison Square Garden crowd, including fans of UNC and UCLA, who stayed to witness the thrilling showdown.
A critical turning point came midway through the second half when Kentucky failed to capitalize on four offensive rebounds in a single possession, ultimately coming away empty-handed. The Buckeyes countered by executing clock-management strategies and converting free throws down the stretch to extend their lead. Despite some turnovers, Ohio State never relinquished its double-digit advantage, effectively sealing the victory.
Key returns from Aaron Bradshaw and Ques Glover bolstered Ohio State’s depth and impact on both ends of the floor. Bradshaw, a transfer from Kentucky, provided a defensive presence at the rim and added crucial scoring off the bench. Glover, back from an ankle injury, contributed nine points and valuable minutes as the Buckeyes showcased their full rotation for one of the first times this season.
“We felt going into this year that depth would be one of our strengths,” Coach Diebler said postgame. “Tonight, we finally got to see it pay off. Bradshaw and Glover’s contributions were pivotal, and it’s great to have them back.”
The Buckeyes improved to 8-4 and now shift their focus to a home game against Indiana State on Sunday, December 29, at the Schottenstein Center. Indiana State comes into the matchup on a five-game winning streak, including a dominant 101-53 victory earlier this week. For Ohio State, the victory over Kentucky not only boosts their confidence but also sets a standard for the level of play they will need to maintain as the season progresses.
With renewed momentum and key players returning, the Buckeyes are poised to build on this marquee victory as they prepare for the challenges ahead. Fans in Columbus can rest assured that the best may yet be to come for this resilient and dynamic team.
