Bruce Thornton scored 28 points and Amare Bynum added 15, but Ohio State could not finish a resume-boosting win Monday night as No. 15 Virginia edged the Buckeyes 70-66 in Columbus. The Buckeyes led late in the second half but managed just seven points in the final 10 minutes, allowing the Cavaliers to capitalize and close out the game. Virginia used depth and defense, with Ugonna Onyenso posting a double-double and four blocks to anchor the late surge. The loss drops Ohio State to 16-9 overall and 8-6 in Big Ten play.
Key Takeaways
- Final score: Virginia 70, Ohio State 66; Virginia improved to 22-3 overall and 10-2 in the ACC while Ohio State fell to 16-9, 8-6 Big Ten.
- Bruce Thornton led Ohio State with 28 points; Amare Bynum supplied 15 points as the team tried to compensate for injured guard John Mobley Jr.
- Ohio State scored only seven points in the final 10 minutes, going 1-of-9 in the decisive closing stretch.
- Virginia balanced scoring across the roster: seven players reached at least five points and nine players scored overall.
- Ugonna Onyenso finished with eight points, 10 rebounds and four blocks, providing a defensive anchor for Virginia.
- Devin Royal fouled out after shooting 2-of-12 from the field, limiting Ohio State’s depth late in the game.
- Ohio State is now 3-4 all-time vs. Virginia; this was the teams’ first meeting in 10 years.
Background
Ohio State entered the matchup looking to strengthen an NCAA Tournament profile with a high-quality nonconference win at home. The Buckeyes have experienced roster turnover and injuries this season, most notably to guard John Mobley Jr., forcing younger players into larger roles. Virginia arrived with a 22-3 record and a national top-15 ranking, bringing a program identity built on depth, defensive discipline and deliberate offense under Tony Bennett’s staff.
The two programs last met on Nov. 30, 2016, with Virginia winning 63-61 during Thad Matta’s final season at Ohio State. Historical context matters here: Virginia’s methodical style often contrasts with Ohio State’s more free-flowing attack, producing tight, low-possession games when the Cavaliers’ defense is functioning. Both coaches emphasized execution and preparation in the lead-up to Monday’s contest, aware that a strong showing could influence conference seeding and NCAA evaluation.
Main Event
Ohio State jumped out early, fueled by a 9-0 run that included mid-range shots from reserve starter Taison Chatman and an and-one from Thornton, giving the Buckeyes an early cushion. Virginia responded with a matching 9-0 surge keyed by Chance Mallory and Thijs De Ridder, and the first half evolved into a sequence of short runs and traded baskets. The teams were tied 37-37 at the half after Onyenso converted a free throw for Virginia.
Thornton maintained his rhythm in the second half, repeatedly creating scoring opportunities and pushing Ohio State into a brief advantage as he reached 26 points with roughly 10 minutes remaining. Bynum’s activity in transition supplemented Thornton’s individual scoring; at one point the Buckeyes led 59-53. But Virginia answered with an 8-0 sequence to retake momentum, showing the Cavaliers’ ability to flip defensive stops into offense.
In the final stretch Ohio State’s offense went cold, managing just seven points as Virginia took a late lead. A turnover by Devin Royal resulted in a coast-to-coast layup that put Virginia up 65-61 with 1:11 remaining. Ohio State called timeout, but the Buckeyes could not capitalize: a missed Tilly three and a Thornton shot blocked by Onyenso helped seal the 70-66 result.
Analysis & Implications
Statistically, Ohio State’s late offensive collapse is the decisive factor in this loss. A 1-of-9 stretch from the floor in the closing minutes erased earlier gains and highlighted both shot selection issues and Virginia’s defensive adjustments. For tournament selection metrics, close defeats to ranked opponents can still be viewed favorably, but the Buckeyes needed a signature late-game close to meaningfully boost their résumé.
Virginia’s depth proved decisive. With nine players logging 15 or more minutes, the Cavaliers rotated fresh defenders into matchups and sustained pressure that forced Ohio State into rushed possessions. Onyenso’s rim protection altered attempts in the lane and produced key blocked shots in the final minute, underscoring how interior defense can swing possession-by-possession outcomes in tight games.
For Ohio State, Thornton’s scoring outburst is an encouraging individual performance but also an indicator of offensive reliance: when one scorer is contained or late possessions break down, the Buckeyes need secondary creators to convert in crunch time. Devin Royal’s foul trouble and Tilly’s missed late three-point attempt both reduced the team’s finishing options. Looking ahead, Ohio State has little recovery time, with a rematch against Wisconsin arriving in the Schottenstein Center on Tuesday.
Comparison & Data
| Team | 1st Half | 2nd Half | Final |
|---|---|---|---|
| No. 15 Virginia | 37 | 33 | 70 |
| Ohio State | 37 | 29 | 66 |
The scoreline shows an even first half before Virginia outscored Ohio State by four in the second half. The Buccaneers’ scoring drought in the final 10 minutes (seven points) contrasted with Virginia converting late possessions efficiently. The box score also reflects the Cavaliers’ rotation advantage: nine scorers versus the Buckeyes’ more concentrated scoring load.
Reactions & Quotes
Coach Jake Diebler confronted the late collapse in postgame remarks, noting both Thornton’s effort and the need for cleaner execution down the stretch. The coach’s challenge decisions and timeout usage were focal points for analysts addressing in-game management.
Bruce Thornton finished with 28 points and was the game’s leading scorer, carrying much of Ohio State’s offense on Monday.
Eleven Warriors game report (media)
Virginia’s balance drew praise from commentators, who pointed to overall depth and defensive plays by Onyenso as game-changers beyond the stat line. The Cavaliers’ rotation allowed sustained pressure in the closing minutes, leading to critical stops.
Nine Cavaliers played 15 or more minutes, a rotation depth that helped Virginia close out the final minutes.
Virginia athletics recap (official)
Public reaction on social platforms highlighted Thornton’s scoring while questioning Ohio State’s late-game offense and the status of Mobley Jr.’s absence. Social commentary emphasized both individual effort and collective execution as takeaways.
Fans and analysts noted the contrast between Thornton’s 28 points and the Buckeyes’ 1-of-9 finish in the last 10 minutes.
Big Ten Men’s Basketball social feed (official)
Unconfirmed
- Details about John Mobley Jr.’s injury severity and timetable for return remain unconfirmed; the team described him as out for the game without specifying a recovery window.
- Whether Devin Royal’s late turnover was influenced by fatigue or a specific matchup adjustment has not been independently verified.
Bottom Line
Bruce Thornton’s 28-point night showcased his scoring ability but could not overcome Ohio State’s late offensive breakdown and Virginia’s balanced, deep roster. The loss is a setback for the Buckeyes’ NCAA resume but contains elements — notably Thornton’s production and Bynum’s support — that the team can build on quickly.
Immediate attention turns to a quick turnaround matchup with Wisconsin, offering Ohio State both a chance for immediate redemption and a test of its capacity to close tight games. For Virginia, the win reinforces the value of depth and defense in late-season portfolio building as the Cavaliers pursue ACC positioning and national seeding.