USC Falls to Ohio State 89-82; Bruce Thornton Moves Up All-Time Scoring List
Ohio State got a needed win in Men’s Basketball over USC, 89-82. The biggest story in this game was star Bruce Thornton scoring 21 points, moving into fifth place on the school’s scoring list.
The win over the Trojans was needed because both teams are on the bubble for the NCAA tournament. A win over a team with whom you are competing is important. Will the Buckeyes make the NCAA Tournament? Games like this certainly help.
Ohio State and USC Scoring Summary
This was a home game for the Buckeyes, and they won 89-82. The game was probably closer than it should have been, but both of these teams are on the bubble for the NCAA tournament and are otherwise quite similar.
In the first half, the Buckeyes started slowly, and they started 2-of-12 from the field. USC then hit 6 free throws and built a 6-0 run that gave them a 13-4 early lead. Then they went on a 9-0 run, which tied the game at 15.
The game was close for the next eight minutes, with neither team leading by more than three points. The Trojans slightly outplayed the Buckeyes for the remainder of the first half. The Buckeyes trailed 43-40.
In the second half, the home team started on a 9-0 run that gave them a 54-49 lead. The game went back and forth for several minutes. This was a close game with two evenly matched teams. That was until Thornton effectively ended the game, making a three-point play with a layup and a free throw. That secures the narrow 89-82 win for Ohio State.
Player of the Game
The player of this game was Bruce Thornton. He scored 21 points in the win over USC, and he moved into fifth place all-time on the Ohio State scoring list. His pursuit of the top spot on the scoring list will be a major attraction, no matter how the season for the Buckeyes finishes.
Turning Point of the Game
The turning point of this game was when Thornton hit a layup and drew a foul for a two-score lead for the Buckeyes over USC. This occurred late, as the game was close; it happened with 40 seconds left in the game. He is the star of the team, with John Mobley Junior cooling off a bit.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Buckeyes won this game 89-82. Bruce Thornton was the player of the game. He scored twenty-one points in the win and moved into fifth place on the all-time school scoring list. Thorton was also responsible for the turning point of the game. He recorded a three-point play with 40 seconds left in the game that assured the team of the win. The Buckeyes next play fifteenth-ranked Virginia in Nashville on Saturday at 8 pm. It is another must-win for the Buckeyes. USC next hosts number eight Illinois at 10 pm.
Parting Shots
USC has now played seven consecutive games decided by seven points or fewer. They were led in scoring by Alijah Arenas. He had 25 points and is the son of Agent Zero, Gilbert Arenas. The Buckeyes are now 16-8 overall and 8-6 in the Big Ten conference with the win. With the loss, USC is now 18-7 overall. They are 7-7in the Big Ten Conference.
