Stephen Leonard
Writer
The Ohio State Buckeyes are in make-or-break mode. Each of their final 6 games is crucial for a March Madness invite. Starting guard John Mobley was held out with an undisclosed hand injury. Mobley, the second leading scorer on the team, was a huge blow to the Buckeyes starting lineup. Despite the loss, the Buckeyes came out strong, looking as good as their script grays (alternate jerseys).
Amare Bynum started off the scoring with a bucket from beyond the arc. Bynum is 25% from three-point land for the season, but was 2 for 3 in the first half. Center Christoph Tilly hit from beyond the arc as another big man knocked down a three. The Buckeyes lead the majority of the half. Six minutes into the half, the Buckeyes led by 11, 17-6.
The Cavaliers went on a 7-0 run with just over 3 minutes left in the half, and you guessed it, offensive rebounds were a contributor. Virginia led the rebounding department 24-12 and offensive boards 7-4. The Buckeyes, however, didn’t backdown to the 15th-ranked Cavaliers, ending the half tied up at 37. Bynum and Bruce Thornton led the Buckeyes in scoring at 10 apiece.
Ohio State came into the game 0-5 against ranked teams this season. Thornton was not letting that stop him, scoring the first six points of the half. Bynum scored his mark, starting with a steal and breakaway for two. Thornton again took over, compiling 21 points with 12 minutes to play in the game, and the Buckeyes were leading by six, 54-48. The Cavaliers just would not go away. Thornton kept putting on the Superman cape, hitting threes or driving to the hoop, leading the way with 26 points with just under 10 minutes to play.
Ohio State went on a scoring slump, which led to it being tied up at 59 points with 6:52 left to play. After a Thornton turnover and a Bynum foul, the Cavaliers took the lead again, 61-59. Just as the Buckeyes looked to be plagued by turnovers, Thornton responded again for two.
Thornton even shone on defense, blocking a shot just before the shot clock expired, leading to the violation. Devin Royal committed a gut-wrenching turnover leading to a four-point deficit, 65-61, with 1:02 on the clock. With time winding down, Tilly took a three that crashed off the backboard. Not the look you want with the game on the line. Virginia all but closed out the game with their biggest lead of the game, 66-61.
Bynum answered with a three-pointer, 66-64, with 30 seconds left. Devin Royal had to foul quickly and left the game reaching the foul limit. The Cavaliers added one more at the line, 67-64. The Buckeyes added one more bucket but lose another one down the stretch 70-66. Thornton ends the game with 28 points, 4 rebounds, a blocked shot, and 3 steals. The Buckeyes need to get hot quick to make the big dance. Each of their final six games are now vital to tournament hopes. Next up Wisconsin at home, Tuesday 2/17/26 at 8:30 PM Eastern on FS1. Wisconsin recent bested the Buckeyes on their home court 92-82 on 1/31/26.
Cody Croy
Writer
The Seattle Seahawks emerged victorious in Sunday night’s 59th edition of the Super Bowl by a score of 29-13. Many former Buckeyes were featured in this game including Mike Vrabel, TreVeyon Henderson, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Patriots offensive lineman Thayer Munford played just one snap. Smith-Njigba became the 39th former Buckeye to win a Super Bowl. […]
Cody Croy
Writer
The 15th annual NFL honors ceremony was held on Thursday night and a couple former Buckeyes brought home some hardware. Seattle Seahawks star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba took home the Offensive Player Of The Year award, given to the best offensive player in the NFL. Smith-Njigba had a sensational season, converting 119 catches, 1,793 yards, […]
Cody Croy
Writer
Ryan Day added another key piece to his staff: former Illinois special teams coordinator Robby Discher, who will serve in the same role. Discher also served as the tight ends coach at Illinois. The Buckeyes have a committee of assistants and advisors that help out with special teams, but Rob Keys has held the title […]
