Bruce Thornton Climbs Ohio State Scoring List as Buckeyes Beat Rutgers

Thornton’s milestone night helps Ohio State secure a Big Ten win

Bruce Thornton delivered a notable performance Friday night, scoring 20 points as Ohio State defeated Rutgers 80-73. The senior’s scoring total carried added significance: Thornton moved into eighth place on Ohio State’s all-time scoring list during the victory.

Ohio State improved to 10-3 overall and 2-1 in Big Ten Conference play. Rutgers fell to 7-7 overall and 0-3 in the Big Ten.

Moving up the Ohio State all-time scoring chart

Thornton’s 20-point game pushed him past Jay Burson on the program’s career scoring list. Thornton moved three points ahead of Burson, who scored 1,756 points from 1985-89. Thornton is now positioned with another notable Buckeye scorer in view: Jim Jackson (1989-92) is next on the list with 1,785 points.

In addition to his scoring, Thornton contributed on the glass, grabbing 10 rebounds. It marked his third double-double of the season, underscoring a well-rounded impact beyond points alone.

Key contributors for Ohio State

While Thornton led the way, Ohio State received additional production across the lineup. Devin Royal finished with 16 points and four assists, and John Mobley Jr. added 12 points with four assists. Their contributions helped Ohio State respond to Rutgers runs and maintain offensive momentum in key stretches of the second half.

Ohio State also got an important first-half boost from reserve Brandon Noel. Noel scored all 14 of his points before halftime, doing so with an efficient shooting line: 5-for-5 from the floor and 4-for-4 at the free-throw line. His early scoring helped keep Ohio State within striking distance when Rutgers held the lead at the break.

Rutgers’ bench provides a lift, but Ohio State closes strong

Rutgers was led by reserve Tariq Francis, who scored 17 points to pace the Scarlet Knights. Dylan Grant added 14 points. Francis did much of his damage early, hitting two 3-pointers and scoring 15 points to help Rutgers take a 41-37 lead into halftime.

Rutgers briefly extended its advantage at the start of the second half when Francis opened with a jumper. Ohio State responded quickly. Royal dunked, Thornton hit a jumper, and Mobley knocked down a 3-pointer to cap a 7-0 run. That surge put Ohio State ahead 44-43 with 17:26 remaining and set the tone for a back-and-forth final stretch.

Second-half swings and decisive moments

The game featured multiple momentum shifts after Ohio State’s early second-half push. Grant answered the Buckeyes’ run with a 3-pointer, but Mobley responded with another 3 to ignite an 8-1 burst by Ohio State. That sequence gave the Buckeyes a 55-47 lead with 14 minutes left, creating separation after a tight first half.

Rutgers, however, continued to push back. Kaden Powers’ fastbreak dunk gave the Scarlet Knights a 61-60 lead with nine minutes remaining, swinging the contest again. From there, the final minutes became a test of execution. The lead changed hands five times, and the score was tied twice during that stretch.

Ultimately, Ohio State made the key plays late. Royal converted a three-point play to put the Buckeyes up 70-67, and Ohio State held the lead over the final 5:23 to close out the 80-73 win.

Game snapshot

• Final score: Ohio State 80, Rutgers 73

• Ohio State leaders: Bruce Thornton 20 points, 10 rebounds; Devin Royal 16 points, four assists; John Mobley Jr. 12 points, four assists

• Rutgers leaders: Tariq Francis 17 points; Dylan Grant 14 points

• Halftime: Rutgers led 41-37

• Notable milestone: Thornton moved into eighth place on Ohio State’s all-time scoring list, passing Jay Burson and closing in on Jim Jackson

What’s next

Ohio State will continue its schedule Monday when it hosts No. 13 Nebraska.