Tuesday night was a big one for Ohio State basketball as they secured a significant victory over the 24th-ranked Wisconsin Badgers. Leading the charge was senior guard Bruce Thornton, who dazzled with 27 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists.
Thornton's been on a tear lately, averaging 25.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists over his last three games. While the Buckeyes have had their ups and downs this season, Thornton's performance has been a standout, etching his name into the program's history books.
During the second half, Thornton climbed to third place on Ohio State's all-time scoring list, surpassing Buckeye legends like Jim Jackson, William Buford, and Jerry Lucas. Since his freshman year, Thornton has been a scoring machine, hitting double digits every season and improving his totals each year. His efficiency is noteworthy, with a shooting percentage of 52.5% from the field and over 40% from three-point range in the past two seasons.
What's remarkable is Thornton's potential to become Ohio State's top scorer without ever playing in an NCAA tournament game. The win against Wisconsin was crucial for their tournament hopes, but the Buckeyes have missed out in each of Thornton's first three seasons. While they have a few more chances to secure a bid, their inconsistency this year leaves Thornton's tournament appearance in question.
Thornton's loyalty to Ohio State is commendable. In an era dominated by NIL deals and the transfer portal, he could have easily jumped to a more competitive program. Instead, he chose to stay, aiming to lead the Buckeyes to the NCAA tournament-a commitment Buckeye Nation surely appreciates.
Regardless of how this season unfolds, fans should cherish what Thornton has brought to the team. His dynamic play and relentless energy have kept Ohio State in the tournament conversation. With a challenging schedule ahead, Thornton has the opportunity to guide the Buckeyes to their first NCAA tournament in four years, solidifying his legacy as one of the program's greats.