Bruce Thornton Climbs Ohio State’s All-Time Scoring Ranks in Win Over Rutgers
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Bruce Thornton continued his impressive senior season by moving into eighth place on Ohio State’s all-time scoring list during a hard-fought 80-73 victory over Rutgers on Friday night. Thornton’s 20-point double-double, including 10 rebounds, helped the Buckeyes improve to 10-3 overall and 2-1 in Big Ten Conference play.
Thornton, who made 8 of 13 shots including two three-pointers, surpassed Jay Burson’s 1,756 career points, putting him just 29 points shy of Jim Jackson’s 1,785 — the next milestone on Ohio State’s storied scoring leaderboard. This marks Thornton’s third double-double of the season, underscoring his all-around impact on the court.
Devin Royal contributed 16 points and four assists, while John Mobley Jr. added 12 points and four assists, providing steady support for the Buckeyes. Reserve Brandon Noel was particularly efficient, scoring all 14 of his points before halftime on perfect shooting from the floor and free-throw line.
Rutgers, now 7-7 overall and winless in conference play, was led by reserve Tariq Francis, who scored 17 points, including two three-pointers. Dylan Grant added 14 points for the Scarlet Knights. Francis’s early shooting helped Rutgers take a 41-37 lead into halftime.
The second half saw Ohio State rally with a 7-0 run capped by Mobley’s three-pointer, giving the Buckeyes a 44-43 lead with over 17 minutes remaining. The teams traded leads in a back-and-forth battle, with five lead changes and two ties in the final nine minutes. Royal’s three-point play late in the game helped Ohio State maintain a slim lead and eventually secure the victory.
Ohio State’s next challenge comes Monday when they host No. 13 Nebraska, while Rutgers prepares to face Oregon at home the same day.
Bruce Thornton’s ascent on the scoring list highlights the rich basketball tradition at Ohio State, a program known for producing NBA talent and competitive teams in the Big Ten Conference. The Buckeyes’ official athletics site provides ongoing updates on player stats and team performance, reflecting the program’s commitment to excellence.
For more on Ohio State basketball and NCAA updates, visit the NCAA official website and the Big Ten Conference site. Detailed statistics and historical records can be found through the Sports Reference College Basketball database.
As Thornton nears Jim Jackson’s scoring record, Buckeye fans will be watching closely to see if the senior can continue his scoring surge and cement his legacy among Ohio State’s all-time greats.
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