Thornton Leads Buckeyes to Response Win Over USC

Senior point guard Bruce Thornton delivers in the clutch to ease the bad memory of Sunday's loss to Michigan.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Senior point guard Bruce Thornton had his team's back when it needed him most Wednesday night, scoring 21 points and delivering in the clutch to lead Ohio State to an 89-82 win over Southern California. Thornton's leadership and clutch performance, including scoring the Buckeyes' final nine points, helped the team bounce back from a disappointing loss to Michigan.

Why it matters

This win was crucial for Ohio State's NCAA Tournament hopes, as they were listed as the first team out of the field in ESPN's latest bracket projections. The Buckeyes needed to show fight and resilience after the Michigan loss, and Thornton's leadership was key in getting the team back on track.

The details

Thornton finished with 21 points, 8 assists, and was a perfect 11-for-11 from the free throw line, including 7 makes in the final 1:34 to seal the victory. Devin Royal added 19 points and 7 rebounds, while John Mobley Jr. scored 13 points. The Buckeyes shot 60% in the second half and held USC to just 34.3% shooting for the game.

  • Ohio State faced USC on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.

The players

Bruce Thornton

A senior point guard and four-year captain for the Ohio State Buckeyes, Thornton scored 21 points and delivered in the clutch to lead his team to victory.

Devin Royal

A key contributor for Ohio State, Royal scored 19 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in the win over USC.

John Mobley Jr.

Mobley Jr. scored 13 points and made two 3-pointers for the Buckeyes after failing to make any against Michigan.

Jake Diebler

The head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, Diebler praised Thornton's leadership and the team's overall response after the loss to Michigan.

Alijah Arenas

The son of former NBA all-star Gilbert Arenas, Arenas scored 25 points for USC in the losing effort.

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What they’re saying

“He was a little more talkative about the stuff we need him talking about. His voice at timeouts was at the level it has been at times this year.”

— Jake Diebler, Head Coach, Ohio State Buckeyes (Press Pros Magazine)

“We stick true to ourselves. I don't want to be like nobody else in the country. We own up to the mistakes that we didn't show up on Sunday. That's the first step of moving forward. We fixed it. We had two good days of practice. We bonded together, understanding what we needed to show today. We got to the dub.”

— Bruce Thornton (Press Pros Magazine)

“What we've been doing is one game at a time. Watch film and go on to the next one. Get better. Stay consistent.”

— Devin Royal (Press Pros Magazine)

“I just play basketball at a super-high level, so if I see an open guy, I'm gonna hit him. If he's not open, I'm gonna shoot it. That's how I look at the game. I told him to run the floor and I'd hit him. It's that simple.”

— Bruce Thornton (Press Pros Magazine)

“It means a lot. Never thought that would be one of my goals, but definitely a blessing, especially all the former players that played at Ohio State. Without my teammates and coaches it wouldn't happen. So very blessed.”

— Bruce Thornton (Press Pros Magazine)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.