After falling at home to #2-ranked Michigan Sunday, the Ohio State men’s basketball team (16-8, 8-6 Big Ten) returned to the court at the Schottenstein Center Wednesday to play the USC Trojans (18-7, 7-7 Big Ten). The Buckeyes’ defense  competed well down the stretch, allowing OSU to pull away for an 89-82 victory.

Bruce Thornton paced Ohio State with 21 points, including seven in the last minute. He also led the Buckeyes with eight assists and two steals. Three others scored in double figures for OSU – Devin Royal (19), John Mobley Jr. (13), and Amare Bynum (11). Royal had a team-high seven rebounds.

Two important statistics made the difference Wednesday night. First, for only the fourth time in Big Ten play, the Buckeyes had more bench points than their opponent, outscoring USC 16-14. Second, Ohio State converted 24 of 25 free throw attempts, while USC also made 24 free throws, but in 33 tries.

The Buckeyes will play their final non-conference game of the regular season Saturday as they travel to Tennessee to take on #15 Virginia (21-3, 9-2 ACC) as part of the Nashville Hoops Showdown. Tip-off is set for 8:00 p.m. All of the action can be seen on Fox.