Ohio State
20-11,12-8Big Ten
Indiana
18-13,9-11Big Ten
Thornton Breaks Scoring Record as Buckeyes Roll Indiana 91-78
3/7/2026 10:18:00 PM | Men's Basketball
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Behind a record-breaking performance from senior guard Bruce Thornton, Ohio State defeated Indiana 91–78 Saturday night at the Schottenstein Center on Senior Day. Thornton scored 25 points and became the all-time leading scorer in Ohio State program history, passing Dennis Hopson’s mark of 2,096 career points.
With a three-point basket late in the first half, Thornton surpassed Hopson and moved into sole possession of first place in the Buckeyes’ record book. The moment brought the sellout crowd to its feet and was later honored at halftime with a ceremonial exchange between Hopson and Thornton at midcourt.
Ohio State concludes the regular season at 20–11 overall and 12–8 in Big Ten play, while Indiana finishes 18–13 overall and 9–11 in conference action.
Thornton finished with 25 points on 7-of-9 shooting while adding seven assists and three rebounds. This was his second consecutive game with seven assists and zero turnovers.
Amare Bynum also scored 18 points and grabbed nine rebounds, while John Mobley Jr. added 18 points, including three three-pointers. Taison Chatman provided a key spark off the bench with 11 points and four rebounds, hitting three three-pointers.
The Buckeyes responded quickly after allowing the game’s first five points. A dunk from Amare Bynum sparked a 6–0 run that gave the Buckeyes their first lead and helped establish early momentum behind efficient shooting and strong defense.
Indiana mounted an 8–0 run midway through the half to cut the deficit to three, but Ohio State countered with timely shooting from Chatman and Bynum. The Buckeyes regained control when Thornton drove inside for a basket and later delivered the historic moment.
After halftime, the Buckeyes maintained control of the game. Ohio State extended its lead to as many as 24 points and continued to shoot efficiently from the field.
The Hoosiers mounted a late push in the second half, trimming the deficit to 11 with under four minutes remaining, but the Buckeyes responded with a four-point play from Devin Royal with just over three minutes left to halt the run and push the lead back to 14, effectively sealing the victory.
Following the game, head coach Jake Diebler praised Thornton’s approach to the milestone moment.
“He has embraced the moment,” Diebler said. “He hasn't made it about himself. He's been focused on winning.”
Thornton reflected on the moment after the game, emphasizing what the program means to him.
“Tonight was how Ohio State basketball should be,” Thornton said. “I’m a Buckeye for life.”
Indiana was led by Lamar Wilkerson with 18 points. Tucker DeVries added 17 points, while Sam Alexis finished with 14.
Ohio State shot 59.2 percent from the field and made 11 three-pointers, marking the second straight game the Buckeyes shot better than 45 percent from beyond the arc.
Up Next
With the win, Ohio State earns a double bye and will begin Big Ten Tournament play on Thursday in Chicago. Ohio State will either be the No. 7 or No. 8 seed in next week’s tournament.
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