Ohio State Buckeyes guard John Mobley Jr. (0) celebrates after defeating Minnesota Golden Gophers in overtime in the NCAA basketball game at Value City Arena on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.

Buckeyes Rally Late Against Gophers, Eye Michigan Showdown

Originally posted on Stadium Rant | By Noah Adkins | Last updated Jan 21, 2026 8:39 PM ET

“Stay alive” was the message for the Ohio State Buckeyes on Tuesday night at the Schottenstein Center.

A Quad 3 home loss to a 10–8 Minnesota Golden Gophers team would have been a significant blow to Ohio State’s résumé. Fortunately for the Buckeyes, they survived and kept their momentum going. With a tough stretch ahead, Ohio State must continue to take care of business if it hopes to return to the NCAA Tournament.

Mobley Jr.’s Hot Streak

John Mobley Jr scored 28 points in Saturday’s home win over the UCLA Bruins, then the sophomore guard followed it with a 26-point outing on Tuesday.

Mobley Jr. shot 48 percent from three over the past two games after scoring just three points previously, providing the Buckeyes with a needed bounce-back performance.

Averaging 15.3 points per game this season, Mobley Jr. is widely regarded as the team’s second offensive option behind senior guard Bruce Thornton.

Who Else But Bruce Thornton?

Ohio State Buckeyes guard Bruce Thornton (2) celebrates after making a three point shot in the first half of the NCAA basketball game at Value City Arena on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.

Bruce Thornton once again came through Tuesday night, helping Ohio State improve to 13-5 on the season. The senior guard scored 23 points, with 16 coming in the second half and overtime.

Thornton is averaging over 20.7 points per game this season and is quickly climbing the ranks as one of the best players to ever wear scarlet and gray.

Thornton is also highly efficient, shooting 56.5 percent from the field, one of the top marks in the country.

In his senior season, Thornton has often carried the Buckeyes and delivered in the clutch, proving time and again why he sets the standard for the team.

End Of My Ohio State Buckeyes Rant

Jan 2, 2026; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Jake Diebler talks with forward Amare Bynum (1) during the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Jersey Mike’s Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Ohio State survived Tuesday night. The Buckeyes now turn their attention to the Michigan Wolverines.

Ohio State will head north to Ann Arbor for a Big Ten showdown against the third-ranked team in the country. While it is not a must-win like Tuesday, a victory would help push the Buckeyes further into the NCAA Tournament picture.

Michigan has lost just once all season, so a road win against its rival would rank as one of the best victories in the country this year.

This article first appeared on Stadium Rant and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: