Ohio State Clinches First Ranked Victory, Defeats No. 24 Wisconsin 86-69
Ohio State achieved a significant milestone in its basketball season by securing its first ranked victory, defeating No. 24 Wisconsin 86-69. This win is especially meaningful as it not only boosts the team’s NCAA Tournament hopes but also avenges a previous loss to Wisconsin.
Key Highlights of the Game
The Buckeyes, now with a record of 17-9 and 9-6 in the Big Ten, showcased a strong performance on Tuesday evening. Devin Royal and Bruce Thornton played pivotal roles in the victory. Royal led the scoring in the first half, while Thornton took over in the second.
- Final Score: Ohio State 86, Wisconsin 69
- Location: Schottenstein Center
- Ohio State Record: 17-9 (9-6 Big Ten)
- Wisconsin Record: 18-8 (10-5 Big Ten)
Player Performances
This game featured several standout performances:
- Bruce Thornton: 27 points (24 in the second half), 9 rebounds, 8 assists
- Devin Royal: 25 points (16 in the first half), 10-of-17 shooting
- Amare Bynum: 13 points
- Taison Chatman: 11 points
- Wisconsin’s Braeden Carrington: 19 points
Game Breakdown
In the first half, Ohio State took an early lead, with Royal scoring quickly to set the tone. He tallied seven points within the first four minutes, contributing to a 12-6 advantage. The Buckeyes maintained their grip on the game, extending their lead to 38-26 by halftime, aided by a strong defensive effort that held Wisconsin to just 1-of-8 shooting from three-point range.
The second half saw Thornton emerge as a key player. After a slow start, he exploded offensively, pushing the lead to its largest margin. He connected on several crucial baskets, including three pointers that stymied any attempt by Wisconsin to come back.
Statistics Summary
| Statistic | Ohio State | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 86 | 69 |
| Field Goals | 31-57 (54.4%) | 27-59 (45.8%) |
| Three-Point Field Goals | 8-16 (50%) | 7-26 (26.9%) |
| Free Throws | 12-14 (85.7%) | 13-19 (68.4%) |
| Turnovers | 14 | 12 |
| Total Rebounds | 35 | 27 |
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Ohio State aims to build momentum as they prepare for an upcoming matchup against No. 15 Michigan State on Sunday at 1 p.m. This road game will be a vital test for the Buckeyes as they seek to improve their standing in the conference.
Historic Moment for Bruce Thornton
Thornton’s performance also had historic significance. He surpassed legends Jerry Lucas and William Buford in career points, now sitting third on the all-time scoring list for Ohio State, just 92 points shy of the record held by Dennis Hopson.
This win marks a critical point for Ohio State in their season as they look to secure their place in the NCAA Tournament.
