Imagine a basketball game so intense, it goes into double overtime, with the lead changing hands in the final seconds not once, but multiple times. That’s exactly what happened when Ohio State faced West Virginia on December 13, 2025, in a thrilling 89-88 victory at the Cleveland Hoops Showdown. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was it Bruce Thornton’s clutch gene or West Virginia’s missed opportunities that decided the game? Let’s dive in.
The Buckeyes, trailing by as many as 14 points in the second half, mounted a comeback fueled by Thornton’s heroics. The guard scored 19 of his 21 points after halftime, including a go-ahead jumper with just 3.6 seconds left in double overtime. Freshman Amare Bynum also stepped up, scoring 15 of his season-high 17 points in the second half, while John Mobley Jr. matched Bynum’s 17 points and Christoph Tilly added a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. And this is the part most people miss: Ohio State’s bench and late-game execution were the unsung heroes of this rally.
West Virginia, however, didn’t go down without a fight. Honor Huff led the charge with 24 points, including five 3-pointers, while Brenen Lorient went a perfect 7-of-7 from the field for 18 points. Jasper Floyd and Chance Moore each chipped in 14 points, and Huff’s late-game shots—like his contested side-step 3-pointer in overtime—kept the Mountaineers within striking distance. Here’s the bold question: Did West Virginia lose the game, or did Ohio State steal it?
The game’s momentum shifted dramatically in the final minutes of regulation. With 52 seconds left, Mobley’s contested 3-pointer gave Ohio State its first lead of the second half, capping a 10-3 run. But Huff quickly responded, finding Jackson Fields for a layup to tie it at 68-all, forcing overtime. In the extra periods, both teams traded clutch shots, with Huff’s long 2-pointer and Thornton’s contested jumper becoming the defining moments.
Looking ahead, West Virginia hosts Mississippi Valley State on December 22, while Ohio State faces a tougher test against No. 14 North Carolina at the CBS Sports Classic in Atlanta. What do you think? Was Ohio State’s win a testament to their resilience, or did West Virginia let this one slip away? Let us know in the comments below!
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