The Ohio State basketball team learned what it was like to play a game with a Bruce Thornton off-night. That is, until it wasn't, and the four-year captain took over in the second half and both overtime periods for the Buckeyes to power them to a massive win over West Virginia Saturday night.
After a struggling first half offensively, Thornton scored 19 of his 21 points in the second half and both overtimes against the Mountaineers, with six of those points coming in the final minute of double overtime, including the eventual game-winner.
Thornton finished the game shooting 8 of 19 from the field, and just 1 for 8 from beyond the arc. It wasn't your typical night from the Buckeyes' leading scorer, but this game was important for the Ohio State basketball team, and you could see that from Thornton's play down the stretch, not only on the offensive end, but on the defensive end as well.
He took the assignment of guarding West Virginia's leading scorer in Honor Huff, in the second overtime as he was hitting shots with a high degree of difficulty. Huff finished the game with 24 points, but was held to two points in the second overtime period with Thornton defending him.
Thornton played almost all 50 minutes in this game, and the fatigue was obvious as there were times he was slow to get up, trying to get any chance at a break he could get. However, it's a great testament to his toughness and leadership to see him dig deep and will this Ohio State basketball team to the much-needed win.
Through ten games this College Basketball season, Thornton is making a serious case to be an All-American. He's 10th in the country in scoring, averaging 21.8 points per game on nearly 60% shooting from the field.
It would be great for the long-term of this Ohio State basketball team if the backcourt depth can come through and help give Thornton some rest. But right now, this is looking like it could be a special season for the senior guard.