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Washington Outduels Ohio State Behind Steinbach

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Seattle, WA – The Ohio State Buckeyes, fresh off a dominating performance at Oregon in which they blew the game wide open by holding the Ducks scoreless for five minutes, made their way to Seattle looking to sweep the Pacific Northwest teams.  Meanwhile, the  Washington Huskies were back home after two tough losses on the road at Indiana and Purdue.

The Buckeyes jumped to an early lead thanks to terrific shooting and domination on the offensive glass. The Huskies hung tough and held Ohio State scoreless for three minutes toward the end of the first half to whittle the deficit to two points at the break. Ohio State again started strong, but the Huskies answered the Buckeyes’ 5-0 run at the beginning of the second half with a 12-0 run of their own to take the lead 46-45. The Huskies held their lead, but it was tenuous and if not for several clutch rebounds, blocked shots, and made free throws by 6’11 Franck Kepnang with the game still in the balance, the Dawgs might have lost.  The Huskies won 81-74 to improve to 10-6 on the year. Ohio State falls to 11-5.

Continuing to impress, as he has all season, was Huskies’ 6’11 freshman Hannes Steinbach. In only his thirteenth game as a Husky, the former German Bundesliga professional scored 21 points (9-19 FG, 0-3 3PT, 3-3 FT), and added nine rebounds and two steals in 35 minutes. Steinbach displays excellent court vision and natural instincts. He also understands leverage, using his body to seal defenders for easy finishes in the flash post and outmuscle guys for putbacks. He runs well in transition and although it’s a smaller part of his game, he’s making nearly 40% of his three-point attempts on 1.5 shots per game. Steinbach’s averaging 1.2 points per possession on a 67% true shooting percentage.

Steinbach anchors the Husky defense. He disrupts shots in the paint and rotates effectively to help his teammates.  He’s not an elite mover laterally and therefore sometimes finds himself in trouble with quicker guards in the switch-heavy Husky defense. Steinbach’s an excellent rebounder averaging 11 boards and nearly one steal per game. Steinbach projects as a Top 20 NBA draft pick this year.

Leading Ohio State’s balanced attack this season is 6’2 senior Bruce Thornton  Thornton has had a terrific career with the Buckeyes so far and brings a wealth of on-court experience having started every game since arriving in Columbus. He’s a high motor, physical point guard with an outstanding outside shot and ability to get downhill—mostly to his right. Thornton manages the high pick and roll game dribbling off the screen to make the correct read. He’s equally effective in transition whether as a finisher or creator. Thornton takes care of the ball, maintaining a 2.7 assist to turnover ratio. He averages 1.2 points per possession on 69% true shooting percentage. He shoots 43% from three with most of his shooting success coming from the top and left wing. Thornton grabs 5.3 rebounds per game.

Against the Huskies, Thornton scored 28 points (9-17 FG, 3-7 3PT, 7-8 FT), to go with 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, and 1 steal in 37 minutes. He had one turnover. NBA front office concerns about his height may prevent him from being drafted but he’ll have an opportunity as a free agent.

Also coming up big on the scoreboard for the Buckeyes was 6’6 freshman Amare Bynum. In his highest scoring output of the season so far, Bynum finished with 20 points (8-19 FG, 2-6 3PT, 2-3 FT) and four rebounds in 37 minutes. He’s a reliable finisher in the paint but has struggled from beyond the arc, shooting 26%. Nonetheless, his length, athleticism and touch from the free throw line (75% shooter) suggest he’s a future prospect.

Things won’t get any easier for UW as first Michigan and then Michigan State come to Seattle to take on the Huskies. The Buckeyes fly home to face UCLA and Minnesota later this week.

This article was written by Justin Pallari, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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Kentucky and North Carolina Shine in Thrilling CBS Sports Classic

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Atlanta, GA – The CBS Sports Classic once again delivered a showcase of high-level college basketball, featuring two marquee matchups that lived up to the event’s reputation for drama and intensity. The atmosphere inside the arena was electric from start to finish, with fans from all four programs—Kentucky, St. John’s, North Carolina, and Ohio State—creating a vibrant, tournament-like environment in mid-December.

The day began with a statement performance from Kentucky, which stormed back in the second half to defeat St. John’s 78–66. The Wildcats, who had struggled with consistency early in the season, found their rhythm after halftime, outscoring the Red Storm 53–34 in a dominant final 20 minutes. It was a defining win for Kentucky, marking their most complete performance of the season and a potential turning point as conference play approaches.

Otega Oweh led the charge for the Wildcats, showcasing his athleticism and scoring touch with 20 points and 5 rebounds. His energy on both ends of the floor set the tone for Kentucky’s second-half surge. Guard Jaland Lowe added 13 points and 3 assists, providing steady playmaking and timely shot-making. The biggest storyline, however, was the debut of highly touted player Jayden Quaintance, who made an impact with 10 points and 8 rebounds. His presence in the paint gave Kentucky a new dimension, both defensively and on the glass.

Kentucky’s turnaround was fueled by improved ball movement and defensive intensity. After trailing at halftime, the Wildcats came out with renewed focus, pushing the pace and attacking the rim. Their depth and athleticism overwhelmed St. John’s, who struggled to match Kentucky’s energy in transition. The Wildcats’ 53-point second half was their most explosive offensive stretch of the season, a sign that their young roster is beginning to gel.

For St. John’s, the loss was a tough setback after a promising first half. Bryce Hopkins led the Red Storm with 13 points, showing his versatility as a scorer and rebounder. Zuby Ejiofor contributed 12 points and 5 rebounds, while Ian Jackson added 10 points and 6 rebounds in a solid all-around effort. Despite the defeat, St. John’s displayed flashes of potential, particularly in the first half when their ball movement and defensive pressure kept Kentucky off balance. However, the Red Storm couldn’t sustain that level of play once Kentucky’s offense caught fire.

The second game of the doubleheader between North Carolina and Ohio State was a thriller that went down to the wire, with the Tar Heels escaping with a 71–70 victory. The contest featured multiple lead changes and momentum swings, keeping the crowd on edge until the final buzzer.

Caleb Wilson was the star for North Carolina, delivering a dominant performance with 20 points and 15 rebounds. His ability to control the boards and score in key moments proved decisive. Henri Veesaar added 17 points and 10 rebounds, giving the Tar Heels a strong interior presence, while Seth Trimble chipped in 17 points and 3 assists, providing steady guard play and clutch shot-making down the stretch.

Ohio State battled valiantly throughout, led by Bruce Thornton’s 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. Devin Royal was a force inside with 17 points and 8 rebounds, while Christoph Tilly contributed a double-double of his own with 12 points and 10 rebounds. The Buckeyes executed well offensively and defended with toughness, but a few late missed opportunities allowed North Carolina to hold on for the narrow win.

The CBS Sports Classic once again highlighted the depth and talent across college basketball’s elite programs. The event’s atmosphere was electric, with fans treated to two games that combined intensity, skill, and drama. Kentucky’s second-half explosion against St. John’s underscored their potential to be a dangerous team as the season progressed, while North Carolina’s resilience against a tough Ohio State squad reaffirmed their status as one of the nation’s top contenders.

As the team’s head into the heart of their schedules, the CBS Sports Classic served as both a measuring stick and a momentum builder. For Kentucky and North Carolina, the victories provided confidence and validation. For St. John’s and Ohio State, the lessons learned in defeat could prove valuable in the months ahead. In a day filled with energy, passion, and high-level basketball, the CBS Sports Classic once again delivered on its promise as one of the sport’s premier showcase events

This article was written by Andrew Keeling, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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Ohio State Survives at Home Against Notre Dame 

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Columbus, OH – The Ohio State Buckeyes hosted a Sunday afternoon game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at The Schottenstein Center. The Buckeyes came in undefeated at 3-0 after defeating Appalachian State 75-53 on Tuesday. Ohio State faced its first real test of the season against Notre Dame, who also came in at 3-0 this season. It was a tight physical battle through both halves as the Buckeyes were able to score a go-ahead basket by 7’0 senior center Christoph Tilly with 13 seconds left and get a final stop defensively to secure the 64-63 win at home in dramatic fashion.

The Buckeyes were led by their 6’2 senior guard Bruce Thornton, who orchestrated the offense playing the full 40 minutes. Notre Dame showed strong pressure against the senior guard as he had to battle for each of his hard-earned baskets in both halves. Thornton continued to showcase his scoring ability and his status as one of the best pure scoring point guards in the country. He demonstrated the ability to create for himself off the dribble on basket drives and knows when he has enough space to take a step-back jumper. Due to his strong muscular frame, there really isn’t a shot that Thornton can’t convert. Despite the pressure that Thornton faced defensively all game, he hardly wavered, showing he truly has the make and model of a true professional point guard. Thornton was a constant presence for the Scarlet and Gray, finishing with a team-high 24 points, shooting 8-of-15 from the field and 4-of-7 from deep.​

While others struggled to shoot versus Notre Dame’s pesky defensive pressure, Ohio State got a huge lift from their center Christoph Tilly, who finished with 18 points. Tilly’s most impressive attributes are his ability to attack downhill off the dribble and his use of his size to convert against physical contact. He was very aggressive all game, earning many trips to the free-throw line and converting a robust 10-of-13 from the charity stripe. Tilly has a strong shot mechanic and form on his free throws. He did attempt a couple of three-pointers, which he didn’t convert, but showed a promising shooting stroke on the catch-and-shoot, where he could add this shot in the future. Tilly showed down the stretch multiple times that he wanted the ball in his hands as he attacked, putting pressure on the Notre Dame defense. His most notable play came at the end of the game when he attacked down the middle of the lane and showed his strength and balance on his challenging layup with 13 seconds left in the game to give Ohio State the lead.​

Outside of Thornton, Ohio State’s guards didn’t shoot the ball well as they struggled to create space  versus Notre Dame’s strong defense. 6’1 sophomore shooting guard John Mobley Jr. really struggled to convert his shots offensively, only shooting 2-of-10 from the field. Mobley Jr. made two three-pointers, showcasing his quick-trigger shooting mechanics that earned him heavy recruiting interest. He showed he can convert off the dribble, forcing the defense to collapse and drawing fouls, finishing with nine points.

​Ohio State also have intriguing prospects in 6’6 junior forward Devin Royal and 6’8 freshman forward Amare Bynum. Royal struggled from the floor in this game, and it showed in his motor and attitude. He did secure five rebounds and showcased his speed and ball-handling in transition. Bynum is a confident, physical freshman forward who uses his strength well to finish through contact at the basket. He has a relentless motor and aggressive attitude to his game that is contagious on the floor. Bynum may have only had four points, but every play he was involved in was an explosive finish.

​For Notre Dame, they were led by 6’0 junior point guard Markus Burton with 14 points. Offensively, Notre Dame spread the wealth as three players got into double-digit scoring. Burton may be undersized, but that doesn’t stop him from driving into the paint and converting at the rim. He is an aggressive point guard with a quick burst and fluid ball-handling. Burton didn’t shoot well from the field, but demonstrated many positive attributes as the lead point guard.

6’7 freshman guard Jalen Haralson finished with 13 points, shooting 5-of-10 from the field. Haralson displayed his bothersome defense throughout the game, demonstrating he is a pressure defender He led the team with three steals. 6’4 junior guard Braeden Shrewsberry also contributed for the Irish with 11 points, showing a strong shooting stroke, hitting two three-pointers, and securing four defensive rebounds. The biggest standout player for Notre Dame was 6’8 graduate forward Carson Towt, who secured a game-high 12 boards while adding eight points. Towt is a smart forward who understands how to find the holes in the defense, cutting to open space for easy inside finishes. Another fascinating prospect for Notre Dame is 6’6 sophomore guard Sir Mohammed, who played with impressive speed and balance, converting through contact in the post and being crafty and creative with his finishes. Notre Dame certainly has a handful of interesting and skilled prospects to keep an eye on throughout this 2025-26 season.

​Despite Notre Dame’s strong defensive efforts and fluid offensive attack, the Buckeyes were able to pull out the gritty win at home Sunday afternoon, 64-63, to remain undefeated at 4-0. 

This article was written by Nate Koesel, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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