Ohio State Buckeyes Upset Wisconsin, Madison Badgers 86-69 Behind Bruce Thornton's 27 Points

The Ohio State Buckeyes pulled off a stunning 86-69 upset over the Wisconsin, Madison Badgers, a result that sent shockwaves through the college basketball landscape, particularly given Wisconsin's 33 NET ranking and Ohio State's 38 ranking. This 17-point margin of victory was a far cry from the 3.2-point margin by which CHD Scout predicted Wisconsin would win, and it has real consequences for both teams' seed lines, with Ohio State now boasting a 17-9 record. The Buckeyes' 86 points were a reflection of their explosive offense, which has averaged 76 points per game over their last 5 contests, including an 89-82 win over USC and an 82-62 victory at Maryland. In contrast, Wisconsin, who had been averaging 84 points per game over their last 5, were held to just 69 points, a significant drop-off from their recent form, which had seen them outscore opponents by an average of 7.2 points per game.

The game was essentially decided in the first half, as Ohio State jumped out to a 38-26 lead, with Bruce Thornton scoring 15 of his 27 points in the opening period. Wisconsin, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm, shooting just 36% from the field in the first half, including 2-10 from three-point range. The Badgers' recent trend of outscoring opponents by 7.2 points per game over their last 5 was nowhere to be seen, as they were outscored by 12 in the first half. Ohio State's 38 points in the first half were a significant improvement from their recent average of 34 points per game in the first half over their last 5 contests. As the game wore on, Ohio State continued to pull away, with Devin Royal scoring 15 of his 25 points in the second half, including 3 three-pointers. Wisconsin, meanwhile, was unable to mount a significant comeback, despite Braeden Carrington's 20 points, which included 4 three-pointers.

Beyond the impressive stat lines, it was clear that Ohio State's big three of Thornton, Royal, and Amare Bynum were the difference-makers in this game. Thornton's 27 points and 9 rebounds were a dominant performance, while Royal's 25 points, including 5 rebounds, were a significant contribution. Bynum, meanwhile, chipped in with 13 points and 6 rebounds, providing a spark off the bench. For Wisconsin, Carrington's 20 points were a lone bright spot, as the rest of the team struggled to find their shooting touch. John Blackwell and Nick Boyd each added 14 points, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit. Ohio State's ability to shut down Wisconsin's supporting cast, holding them to just 36% shooting from the field, was a key factor in their victory.

As the final score indicates, Ohio State's 48 points in the second half were more than enough to secure the win, and it's clear that CHD Scout's prediction of a Wisconsin win was off the mark.

The prediction was wrong because it failed to account for Ohio State's recent trend of explosive offense, which has seen them average 76 points per game over their last 5 contests. Additionally, the prediction did not take into account Wisconsin's struggles on the road, where they have lost 2 of their last 3 games, including a 78-77 loss at Indiana. Ohio State's ability to capitalize on Wisconsin's mistakes, including 14 turnovers, was also a key factor in their victory. The Buckeyes' 22 points off turnovers were a significant advantage, and it's an area where Wisconsin must improve if they hope to make a deep run in the tournament.

The win for Ohio State is a significant boost to their tournament resume, particularly given that it was a Quadrant 2 win. With this victory, Ohio State improves to 17-9 on the season, and their NET ranking is likely to rise. For Wisconsin, the loss is a setback, but they still boast an 18-8 record and a 33 NET ranking. The Badgers must regroup and refocus if they hope to make a deep run in the tournament. Ohio State's recent form, which has seen them go 2-3 over their last 5 games, including a 66-70 loss to Virginia and an 82-92 loss at Wisconsin, suggests that they are capable of beating anyone on their day. However, their inconsistency is a concern, and they must find a way to string together more consistent performances if they hope to make a deep run in the tournament.

The implications of this win for Ohio State's tournament picture are significant. With this Quadrant 2 win, the Buckeyes have likely played themselves into the tournament conversation, and their NET ranking is likely to rise. They now boast a 17-9 record, and their resume is looking increasingly strong. For Wisconsin, the loss is a setback, but they still have a strong resume and are likely to be a single-digit seed in the tournament. However, this loss may have cost them a chance to rise to a top-4 seed, and they must regroup and refocus if they hope to make a deep run in the tournament. Ohio State's win also highlights the importance of Quadrant 2 wins, which can be a key differentiator for teams on the bubble. With this win, Ohio State has improved their Quadrant 2 record to 4-5, which is a significant improvement from their earlier form. The Buckeyes must continue to win games like this if they hope to solidify their tournament position.

The game was a significant statement for Ohio State, who had been struggling to find consistency all season. With this win, they have shown that they are capable of beating anyone, and their tournament hopes are very much alive. For Wisconsin, the loss is a setback, but they must regroup and refocus if they hope to make a deep run in the tournament. The Badgers' recent trend of outscoring opponents by 7.2 points per game over their last 5 contests suggests that they are capable of beating anyone, but they must find a way to overcome their struggles on the road if they hope to make a deep run in the tournament. Ohio State's 86 points were a significant improvement from their recent average of 76 points per game over their last 5 contests, and it's an area where they must continue to improve if they hope to make a deep run in the tournament. With this win, Ohio State has improved their record to 17-9, and their NET ranking is likely to rise. They must continue to win games like this if they hope to solidify their tournament position and make a deep run in the tournament.

HEADLINE: Ohio State Buckeyes Upset Wisconsin, Madison Badgers 86-69 Behind Bruce Thornton's 27 Points SUBHEADLINE: The Buckeyes' 17-point margin of victory was a far cry from the 3.2-point margin by which CHD Scout predicted Wisconsin would win, and it has real consequences for both teams' seed lines, with Ohio State now boasting a 17-9 record and a 38 NET ranking.