Thornton Career Night Lifts Ohio State: In Niceville, Florida, Bruce Thornton’s stellar performance, scoring a career-high 29 points, led Ohio State to a 92-81 victory over No. 17 Alabama in the Emerald Coast Classic semifinal. Roddy Gayle Jr. also shone with a career-high 23 points.
The Buckeyes, with a 4-1 record, showcased their prowess, particularly during a crucial 10-0 run sparked by Thornton’s consecutive 3-pointers. This surge established a commanding 71-56 lead with 8:10 on the clock, leaving Alabama struggling to mount a comeback.
Grant Nelson contributed 20 points, and Aaron Estrada added 19 for the Crimson Tide, who entered the game with an impressive average of 101.8 points but faced challenges against Ohio State’s robust man-to-man defense.
Alabama’s 3-point shooting, a key strength, faltered at 30%, marking its lowest percentage this season. In contrast, Ohio State displayed efficiency from behind the arc, shooting 55.6% on 10 of 18 attempts.
Alabama coach Nate Oats acknowledged Ohio State’s defensive prowess, stating, “Ohio State is tough. They exposed our weaknesses on defense… We have some work to do on defense.”
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Bruce Thornton’s 4-of-6 accuracy from 3-pointers and 13-of-14 performance from the free-throw line showcased his offensive impact. Coach Chris Holtmann praised the sophomore guards, noting their growth.
Ohio State’s victory marked a significant achievement, playing their most complete game of the season and securing a signature win. The team will face either Oregon or Santa Clara in the championship game, while Alabama competes for third place.
A noteworthy stat of the night was Ohio State’s impressive 28-of-30 free-throw shooting, underlining the team’s focus on crucial moments. The game took place at Northwest Florida State College’s arena, with Ohio State fans comprising a significant portion of the enthusiastic crowd.
Overall, Ohio State’s performance highlighted their growth, defensive strength, and ability to secure a vital win, setting the stage for an exciting championship game.
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