Ohio State Heads to Madison with Momentum-and a Backcourt Identity to Sort Out
Ohio State is heading into a pivotal Big Ten matchup this weekend, traveling to Madison to face a Wisconsin team that's quietly putting together a solid season of its own. Both squads are sitting just above .500 in conference play-Ohio State at 6-4, Wisconsin at 7-3-and both are still searching for a signature win to elevate their NCAA Tournament resumes.
Each team owns just one Quad-1 victory so far. For Wisconsin, that came via a road win at Michigan earlier this month.
Ohio State’s lone Quad-1 W? A December road win at Northwestern.
Not exactly resume gold, but Saturday’s nationally televised showdown on FOX offers a chance for either team to add some shine.
But beyond the resumes and rankings, all eyes in Columbus-and increasingly around the Big Ten-are on sophomore guard John Mobley Jr., who’s been on an absolute tear over the past two weeks.
Mobley’s Emergence: A Hot Hand with Staying Power?
Over Ohio State’s last four games, Mobley has looked like a breakout star. He’s averaging 25.3 points per game, logging nearly 39 minutes a night, and doing it with impressive efficiency.
He’s shooting 46.5% from beyond the arc during this stretch, and he’s hit at least four three-pointers in each of those four games. If he keeps it up against Wisconsin, he’ll tie Jamison Battle’s 2024 program record of five straight games with four or more made threes.
Mobley’s scoring surge has helped the Buckeyes go 3-1 over that span, and it’s raised a compelling question about the team’s offensive identity: Is this now his team?
The Batman and Robin Dynamic: Mobley and Thornton
While Mobley has been lighting it up, Bruce Thornton-the Buckeyes’ floor general and emotional leader-has taken a bit of a step back statistically. Over the past four games, Mobley has taken 64 shots to Thornton’s 44.
In the recent win over Penn State, Thornton attempted just six shots, while Mobley hoisted 14. Thornton finished with a season-low nine points.
But don’t confuse lower volume with lesser impact. Thornton remains a vital piece of Ohio State’s offensive engine.
His presence alone demands defensive attention. At 215 pounds, with a strong frame and a low center of gravity, he’s a tough cover for opposing guards.
He’s a master at getting to his spots and using footwork-jab steps, shot fakes, hesitation dribbles-to create space in the midrange.
And while Mobley has become the Buckeyes’ most dangerous perimeter shooter, Thornton is still the guy who can get downhill, finish through contact, and get to the free-throw line-something he does at a significantly higher rate than Mobley.
What we’re seeing is a complementary relationship. Mobley’s hot streak is partially enabled by Thornton’s gravity.
Defenses can’t afford to leave Bruce alone, which opens up more clean looks for Mobley. And when Mobley is hitting from deep, it stretches the defense and gives Thornton more room to operate inside.
Who’s the Closer?
Against Michigan, this dynamic came into sharper focus. Mobley had the hot hand, but in crunch time, the Buckeyes still ran their offense through Thornton.
And that decision sparked debate. Should the ball have been in Mobley’s hands more late in that game?
It’s a fair question-and one that might not have a one-size-fits-all answer. Thornton is still the team’s most complete player, and in tight games, coaches often lean on experience and poise. But Mobley’s recent play has earned him a seat at the table when it comes to late-game decision-making.
This isn’t a problem-it’s a luxury. Earlier in the season, Ohio State’s offense often lived and died with Thornton.
Now, with Mobley ascending, the Buckeyes have a legitimate two-headed monster in the backcourt. That gives them flexibility, unpredictability, and a much higher ceiling on offense.
What’s at Stake in Madison
Saturday’s game is more than just a chance to climb the Big Ten standings. It’s a litmus test for where this team is right now-and where it could go. Wisconsin’s no pushover, especially at home, and they’ll be keyed in on Mobley from the opening tip.
If Mobley can keep his streak alive and continue to produce under pressure, it’ll be another step forward in what’s quickly becoming a breakout season. And if Thornton finds his rhythm again-which history suggests he will-Ohio State could walk out of Madison with a second Quad-1 win and a much clearer sense of who their go-to guy really is.
One thing’s for sure: the Buckeyes are heating up at the right time. And with Mobley and Thornton both capable of carrying the load, this team suddenly looks a lot more dangerous heading into February.