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Bruce Thornton had 20 points to move into eighth place on Ohio State’s all-time scoring list and the Buckeyes beat Rutgers 80-73 on Friday night.
Thornton made 8 of 13 shots with two 3-pointers for the Buckeyes (10-3, 2-1 Big Ten Conference). Thornton moved three points ahead of Jay Burson, who scored 1,756 points between 1985 and 1989. Jim Jackson (1989-92) was next with 1,785. Thornton also grabbed 10 rebounds for his third double-double this season.
Devin Royal finished with 16 points and four assists, while John Mobley Jr. scored 12 with four assists for Ohio State.
Reserve Tariq Francis had 17 points to lead the Scarlet Knights (7-7, 0-3). Dylan Grant scored 14.
Francis made two 3-pointers and scored 15 to help Rutgers take a 41-37 halftime lead. Reserve Brandon Noel scored all 14 of his points before the break for Ohio State — on 5-of-5 shooting from the floor and a 4-of-4 effort from the free throw line.
Francis hit a jumper to start the second half, but Royal dunked, Thornton hit a jumper and Mobley sank a 3-pointer to cap a 7-0 run as Ohio State took a 44-43 lead with 17:26 to play.
Grant responded with a 3-pointer, but Mobley scored 3 more to spark an 8-1 run and Ohio State led 55-47 with 14 minutes remaining.
Kaden Powers’ fast-break dunk gave the Scarlet Knights a 61-60 lead with nine minutes remaining. There were five lead changes and two ties until Royal’s three-point play gave Ohio State a 70-67 lead and the Buckeyes led in the final 5:23.
To be continued
Ohio State: Hosts No. 13 Nebraska on Monday.
Rutgers: Hosts Oregon on Monday.
Associated Press reporting.
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