SALT LAKE CITY — The Ohio State Buckeyes opened their 2026-27 basketball season with a strong first-half performance against No. 25 BYU on Monday night, taking a 34-31 lead into halftime at the Delta Center.
Ohio State established control early, getting three-pointers from Amare Bynum and John Mobley Jr. while building a 20-10 advantage midway through the half. The Buckeyes extended their lead to 24-13 on a layup by Curtis Givens III with 8:32 remaining.
However, BYU began working its way back behind Robert Wright III, who repeatedly attacked the basket and got to the free-throw line. The Cougars cut Ohio State's lead to 26-20 on a three-pointer from Collin Chandler with 5:42 remaining.
The Buckeyes responded with baskets from Justin Pippen and a three-pointer from Bynum, maintaining their lead as BYU continued applying pressure. Bynum's three-pointer with 1:33 remaining gave Ohio State a 34-28 advantage, but Tyler Betsey answered from beyond the arc to cut the deficit to three.
Ohio State's early offensive balance helped the Buckeyes maintain their advantage despite BYU's late push. The Buckeyes will need to continue getting contributions throughout the lineup while limiting Wright's scoring opportunities in the second half.
