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Ohio State Rallies for Thrilling 80-73 Win Over Rutgers

1/3/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Ohio State University men's basketball team defeated Rutgers 80-73 in Piscataway after a 15-point comeback.
The Buckeyes improved to 10-3 overall and 2-1 in the Big Ten, sparked by a 31-8 run.
Bruce Thornton led with 20 points and 10 rebounds, and Devin Royal added 16.
Rutgers is 7-7 and 0-3 in the Big Ten after a second-half collapse; Tariq Francis scored 17.

History

Historical Context

The inaugural NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament began on March 17, 1939, featuring eight teams in a single-elimination format. The University of Oregon, coached by Howard Hobson, won the first championship on March 27, defeating Ohio State 46-33. This tournament established a national championship for college basketball, paving the way for the sport's growth and the intense rivalries that characterize it today.

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Story summary

The Ohio State University men's basketball team defeated Rutgers 80-73 in Piscataway after a 15-point comeback.
The Buckeyes improved to 10-3 overall and 2-1 in the Big Ten, sparked by a 31-8 run.
Bruce Thornton led with 20 points and 10 rebounds, and Devin Royal added 16.
Rutgers is 7-7 and 0-3 in the Big Ten after a second-half collapse; Tariq Francis scored 17.

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