Ohio State
18-11,10-8Big Ten
#8 Purdue
22-7,12-6Big Ten
Buckeyes Claim Big Home Win Over No. 8 Purdue 82-74
3/1/2026 6:28:00 PM | Men's Basketball
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio State earned a signature win on Sunday afternoon, knocking off No. 8 Purdue, 82-74, at Value City Arena behind a complete team effort and 21 points from sophomore John Mobley Jr.
The Buckeyes improve to 18-11 overall and 10-8 in Big Ten play with the victory. Purdue falls to 22-7 overall and 12-6 in conference play.
The Buckeyes led for most of the afternoon and answered every Purdue run, shooting 51 percent from the field and placing four players in double figures to secure the hard-fought Big Ten victory.
Mobley Jr. paced Ohio State with a game-high 21 points, knocking down five three-pointers and delivering several momentum-shifting plays that helped the Buckeyes maintain control. After missing his first three attempts from deep, Mobley found his rhythm late in the first half and carried it into the second, including a key stretch early after halftime when he scored on a driving layup and followed with a three-pointer that pushed the Buckeye lead to double digits.
Bruce Thornton added 20 points and controlled the game late at the free-throw line, while Amare Bynum finished with 14 points and Devin Royal recorded 12 points and nine rebounds. Christoph Tilly chipped in seven points and five rebounds, helping anchor Ohio State’s interior presence throughout the game.
Ohio State set the tone early with defensive energy and physical play inside. The Buckeyes erased an early Purdue lead and closed the first half strong, taking a 36-31 advantage into the locker room behind efficient shooting from Mobley, Bynum and Thornton.
The Buckeyes opened the second half with a strong push, extending the lead to 14 during an 8-0 run, fueled by Mobley’s shot-making. Purdue responded behind Braden Smith and Trey Kaufman-Renn, cutting the deficit to single digits midway through the half, but Ohio State consistently found answers.
Thornton and the Buckeyes calmly closed it out in the final minute, converting from the stripe to secure the win.
Purdue was led by Braden Smith who scored 20 points. Trey Kaufman-Renn added 19 points, but Ohio State’s balanced scoring, timely shooting, and composure late proved to be the difference.
Up Next
The Buckeyes hit the road on Wednesday and will play at Penn State in the second of a closing three games in seven days stretch. Ohio State won the earlier meeting this season 84-78 on Jan. 26, in Columbus. Tip-off Wednesday in State College is set for 7:30 p.m. and the game will be streamed live on Peacock.
#GoBucks
