Ohio State frehsman Bruce Thornton explains key to moving on in Big Ten tournament

In round one of the Big Ten Tournament, Ohio State picked up a massive win against Wisconsin. The Buckeyes beat the Badgers 65-57 to advance to the next round and face off against Iowa. After the game, Ohio State star freshman Bruce Thornton sat down at the desk with the Big Ten Network crew covering the tournament and gave his thoughts on the victory and surviving Wisconsin’s second half comeback attempt.

“It was a fun experience playing against a good Wisconsin team,” said Thornton. “We came out very strong. (In the) second half, we didn’t play as well, but we still fought through at the end of the day and got the win.

“We just keep fighting. We went through a rough patch in mid-January, February, but we kept fighting. We knew we had an opportunity in the Big Ten Tournament. And we got the W today against Wisconsin. Now we gotta move on to Iowa. I just know that they’re a good team. I felt like being up that much was too good to be true. I just know, like with every team in the Big Ten, it’s going to be a 40-minute game. So we kept fighting, and we persevered, and we got the win.”

The Buckeyes freshman also addressed their upcoming opponent Iowa, and his perspective on the chances the Buckeyes pull off the upset:

“They’re a great team. They can shoot really well (and) they share the ball. I feel like we have a chance against them. I feel like if we play the right way, play together, and believe in each other; I feel like we can get the win.”

Being a freshman, Thornton has had his fair share of ups and downs this year. But as of late, the Buckeyes guard has been playing some impressive ball on the court. In his last four games, Thornton is averaging just above 16 points per game. And in those four games, Ohio State has picked up three wins. And to that, the freshman credits his teammates, coaching staff, and even the fans.

“I think I did,” Thornton said. “I just kept working. My teammates, the coaching staff, and the fanbase — they kept supporting me. And I kept putting in the work and it is finally coming out. Thanks to my teammates and my coaches for letting me be me. I’m just being me right now, and we got the win.”