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2d ago

Ohio State Upsets No. 8 Purdue as Painter Questions Team Focus

Painter highlighted Bruce Thornton's example to underscore the consistency he says Purdue lacks.

Mar 1, 2026; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes guard John Mobley Jr. (0) celebrates with fans after the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Value City Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
Purdue Boilermakers head coach Matt Painter walks onto the court before the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Mar 1, 2026; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Jake Diebler reacts to a call during the first half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Value City Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
Mar 1, 2026; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Purdue Boilermakers head coach Matt Painter reacts to a call during the second half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Value City Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Matt Painter criticized Purdue’s wavering concentration after the road loss in Columbus, calling for greater accountability across the roster.
  • He praised Buckeyes guard Bruce Thornton as a model competitor and joked that Purdue once recruited him before he chose Ohio State.
  • Thornton delivered 20 points in a victory recorded as a Quad 1 result, giving Ohio State a timely boost to its NCAA tournament resume.
  • Purdue dropped to 22-7 overall and 12-6 in Big Ten play after losing three of its past four games.
  • The Boilermakers finished with no blocks, 23 fouls, and sub-45% shooting, and they next visit Northwestern on March 4.