Jared Sullinger returned to Ohio State's lineup after missing two straight games with back spasms, but forward Deshaun Thomas was the star of the night in the team's 82-58 win over the University of South Carolina Upstate Spartans on Wednesday night in Columbus.
Sullinger did not start but played the bulk of the game and generally looked lively, scoring 12 points and pulling down 10 rebounds on 3-8 shooting from the field and 6-7 from the stripe.
Meanwhile, Thomas poured in 23 points, one shy of tying his career-high, on 10-15 shooting and made 2-5 three-pointers. Guard William Buford chipped in with 14 points on 4-9 shooting and guard William Craft also had a useful all-around game with 6 points, 4 assists and 5 steals, as the Buckeyes forced 25 turnovers.
Ohio State started a bit the game slowly, even falling behind 21-17. But they responded with a 7-0 run to take the lead and never looked back.
The Buckeyes next travel to take on the 4-5 South Carolina Gamecocks on Saturday.