Ohio State
16-8,8-6Big Ten
USC
18-7,7-7Big Ten
Big 2nd Half Pushes Buckeyes Past USC 89-82
2/11/2026 10:47:00 PM | Men's Basketball
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio State delivered one of its most complete offensive halves of the season, erupting for 49 second-half points to pull away from USC for an 89-82 victory Wednesday night at the Schottenstein Center.
The Buckeyes, now 16–8 overall and 8–6 in the Big Ten, shot 60 percent in the second half and was stout from the line, making all 14 free throw attempts in the final 20 minutes.
Sophomore guard Bruce Thornton was the catalyst in crunch time. He poured in 21 points, including a perfect 11-for-11 from the free-throw line, and dished out eight assists. Thornton scored the final nine Ohio State points over the final 1:34. With a jumper in the first half, he surpassed Kelvin Ransey (1977-80) and is now fifth on the OSU all-time scoring list with 1,950 career points.
Forward Devin Royal delivered one of his best performances of late, scoring 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting and pulling down a team-high seven rebounds. Royal's activity on the glass and his scoring around the rim provided the physical edge Ohio State needed in a game filled with runs.
Sophomore guard John Mobley Jr. gave the Buckeyes another steady scoring option with 13 points, highlighted by two timely second-half threes that pushed OSU back in front during a pivotal stretch. Puff Johnson also hit a pair of second-half three-pointers and finished with a season-high eight points.
As a team, Ohio State knocked down seven threes and shot 29-for-58 (50 percent) from the field, complementing an aggressive, downhill approach that earned them 25 free-throw attempts — converting 24.
Ohio State’s defensive activity in the second half improved dramatically. OSU forced eight USC turnovers after the break and turned them into crucial transition points.
USC (18–7, 7–7 Big Ten) was led by Alijah Arenas’ 25 points, while Ezra Ausar added 13 and Jacob Cofie finished with 12.
After USC cut the lead to 82–81 with 1:09 remaining, Ohio State closed the game on a 7–1 run, capped by Thornton’s late free throws and a timely defensive stand on the Trojans’ final possession.
Up Next
The Buckeyes head to Nashville this Saturday for a non-conference matchup with No. 15 Virginia. Tip-off from Bridgestone Arena is set for 8 p.m. ET and the game will be televised nationally on FOX.
#GoBucks
