Ohio State and Bruce Thornton (above) played from behind most of the afternoon, but Christoph Tilly’s late basket made the difference in a one-point victory, the kind the Buckeyes often lost a year ago.

Ohio State started well, easily overcame the absence of Carnell Tate and a short day for Jeremiah Smith, ran the football effectively and, of course, shut down the Bruins’ offense.

Tough, at first....Devin Royal didn’t play, John Mobley Jr. (above) has been sick and few could make a shot in the first half. But the Buckeyes stuck together on defense, shots started to fall and the expected result ensued.

Fall baseball concludes...Full of new faces and the eternal search for pitching and personal impact, Justin Haire and the baseball Buckeyes face 2026 with reason for optimism, and something better. Read more in Monday's Press Pros.