Ohio State’s men’s basketball team achieved a solid victory against Oregon on January 8, 2024, with a final score of 72-62. All five Buckeyes starters reached double figures, showcasing a balanced offensive effort that propelled them to their 11th win of the season.
The standout performance came from Devin Royal, who recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Christoph Tilly matched Royal’s scoring, also contributing 14 points. John Mobley Jr. added 13 points, five rebounds, and two steals, while Bruce Thornton and Amare Bynum contributed 12 and 10 points, respectively. Thornton has now scored in double figures in all 16 games this season, highlighting his importance to the team.
Oregon’s Nate Bittle, who ranks second in the Big 10 with an average of 2.4 blocks per game, tallied 14 points on 5-of-19 shooting, along with nine rebounds and three blocks. Takai Simpkins added 12 points, while both Wei Lin and Kwame Evans Jr. chipped in with 10 points each, with Lin also providing five assists.
The game began competitively, with Ohio State leading 34-29 at halftime. Oregon narrowed the gap to three points early in the second half. However, Ohio State responded with a dominant 21-0 run over a span of seven minutes, effectively sealing the game. The Buckeyes outscored the Ducks 34-24 in the paint and shot an impressive 45% (24 of 53) from the field compared to Oregon’s 33% (20 of 61).
Looking Ahead
Ohio State will continue its West Coast trip with a matchup against Washington on Sunday, January 14. Meanwhile, Oregon prepares for a challenging road game against No. 10 Nebraska on Tuesday, January 16.
This victory not only boosts Ohio State’s record to 11-4 overall and 3-2 in the Big 10 but also demonstrates their potential as a formidable contender in the conference. With their next game approaching, the Buckeyes will aim to build on this momentum.
