Tuesday night, the Ohio State basketball team picked up a massive win over the 24th-ranked Wisconsin Badgers. Once again, the Buckeyes were led by senior guard Bruce Thornton, who put up 27 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. Over the last three games, he has put up staggering numbers, averaging 25.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists during that span. Although this season has been a bit of a roller coaster for the Bucks, Thornton’s individual play has shot him up the ranks in the program’s record books.
Midway through the second half of last night's victory, Thornton moved into third place all-time on the Ohio State basketball scoring list. He has surpassed multiple Buckeye legends this season, including Jim Jackson, William Buford, Jerry Lucas, and many more.
Thornton has been a productive scorer for the team since his freshman year. In each of his four seasons, he has averaged double-digit points, with his totals increasing each year. It's also worth noting that Bruce has been extremely efficient in putting up these numbers, entering this game shooting a combined 52.5% from the field and over 40% from three over the last two seasons.
Bruce Thornton. 2️⃣
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) February 18, 2026
3rd on the all-time scoring list. pic.twitter.com/7dEv5gs1ea
What's even crazier about Thornton potentially taking the top spot on Ohio State's scoring list is that he may accomplish this feat without appearing in a single NCAA tournament game. The win over Wisconsin was pivotal for the Buckeyes’ tournament chances.
However, the program has missed the tournament in each of Thornton's first three seasons, and they are not a sure-fire pick to make the field this year. There are multiple opportunities in the last few games to increase their odds of getting a bid, but given some of their inconsistencies shown throughout the year, there is a chance Thornton finishes his career without a tournament appearance.
It should also be pointed out that Thornton has been undeniably loyal to the Ohio State program. In the NIL and transfer portal era, where players bounce around from team to team every season, Bruce could have left to join a more competitive program if he so desired. However, he chose to stay with the vision of leading them to the NCAA tournament, something Buckeye Nation should be thankful for.
No matter the outcome of this season, Buckeye fans need to appreciate what Bruce Thornton has done for the team during his time in Columbus. His stellar play and high motor energy have, at the very least, kept Ohio State in the mix for a tournament spot over the last few seasons.
Although they have a tough schedule to end the season, Thornton has the chance to lead the Buckeyes to their first NCAA tournament appearance in four seasons. Accomplishing this feat would further cement his legacy as an all-time great within the program.