Ohio State
1-0,0-0Big Ten
IU Indy
0-1,0-0Horizon
Buckeyes Open Season with Record-Setting Win Over IU Indy
11/3/2025 10:54:00 PM | Men's Basketball
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State men’s basketball team officially opened the 2025-26 season Monday night at Value City Arena with a record-setting performance, defeating IU Indy, 118–102.
Overall, Ohio State controlled the game on both ends of the floor, shooting efficiently and setting the tone early behind a balanced offensive attack. The Buckeyes shot 63 percent from the field and used size and tempo to create consistent scoring opportunities inside. The 118 points set a new program record for most points in a season opener and the most points in a game at Value City Arena.
Individually, Ohio State was led by senior guard Bruce Thornton (Fairburn, Ga.), who scored 26 points, adding five rebounds and four assists while surpassing the 1,500-point milestone for his career. Thornton now ranks 19th all-time in program history in scoring, moving past Jae’Sean Tate (1,512). Senior center Christoph Tilly (Berlin, Germany) posted a career-high 28 points, along with nine rebounds, three assists, and a block on 9-of-11 shooting.
Junior forward Devin Royal (Pickerington, Ohio) added 22 points and eight rebounds, marking three Buckeyes with 20 or more points. Brandon Noel (Lucasville, Ohio) contributed six points and 10 rebounds, surpassing 800 career rebounds. Sophomore John Mobley Jr. (Reynoldsburg, Ohio) finished with 16 points and a career-high tying eight assists, while freshman Amare Bynum (Omaha, Neb.) added six points off the bench.
After trading baskets early, the Buckeyes closed the first half strong and entered the locker room with a 66–50 lead.
The Buckeyes’ depth and energy carried through the second half, as the team’s frontcourt continued to dominate around the rim. Ohio State extended its lead to as many as 22 points, never trailing after the opening minutes. IU Indy was led by Kameron Tinsley with 22 points and Kyler D’Augustino with 21.
Three Buckeyes scored 20-plus points in the game for the first time since 2019, and the 118 points were the program’s most in a single game since scoring 121 against George Mason in 1995. The Buckeyes also made 42 of 53 free throw attempts, which is also a new program single-game record.
Up Next
Ohio State remains at home on Friday, Nov. 7, when the Buckeyes host Purdue Fort Wayne. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET, and the game will be broadcast live on the B1G Network. Tickets can be purchased at OhioStateBuckeyes.com.
#GoBucks
