Ohio State got a huge win against Purdue on Sunday afternoon. The Buckeyes upset the #8 Boilermakers, 82-74 in Columbus. While this keeps Ohio State's NCAA Tournament hopes alive, another, almost as compelling story continues to develop for the Buckeyes. Ohio State legend Bruce Thornton continues to chase the all-time program scoring record.
Thornton had another banner day when the Bucks blew up the Boilermakers, scoring 20 points, snagging five rebounds, and adding two assists in Ohio State's victory. Thornton entered the game with 2,047 career points, second only to Dennis Hopson. Hopson is Ohio State's all-time leading scorer with 2,096 points. Thornton's 20 brought him to 2,067, just 29 from tying Hopson and 30 from owning the record all by himself.
The question is essentially not of if but when Thornton will get that record. With a trip to Penn State and a home game against Indiana left before postseason play, #2 will likely own that record regardless of where Ohio State plays after the conclusion of the regular season.
A 30-point game in Happy Valley on Wednesday would do the trick. If not there, Thornton will likely get the record on Saturday, when he plays his last home game in Columbus against the Indiana Hoosiers.
At 18-11 (10-8), Ohio State will need to win both games, and possibly a Big Ten Tournament game or two, to get Bruce Thornton to the NCAA Tournament. Getting their all-time leading scorer to the big dance for the first time in his stellar four-year career. Some in Buckeye Nation have had mixed feelings about the team's success, thinking losses would lead to finding a new coach.
Not only do you always root for victory for the Buckeyes, but you also root for a player as loyal as Thornton to get to March Madness, no matter what the coaching situation. In the NIL and transfer portal era, you want as much success for someone who bleeds scarlet and gray and has an Ohio State heart as much as Bruce Thornton.