COLUMBUS — Ohio State men's basketball closed its exhibition schedule Sunday afternoon with an 82-73 victory over Butler at the Schottenstein Center, giving the Buckeyes some positive momentum heading into the regular season.
Sophomore forward Amare Bynum led Ohio State with 23 points, while John Mobley Jr. added 17. Freshman guard LJ Smith provided a spark off the bench, scoring 12 points on four three-pointers, all in the first half.
The Buckeyes led 45-38 at halftime after shooting an impressive 8-of-14 from three-point range. Smith's outside shooting was particularly important, while Bynum showed improvement around the basket and provided several impressive finishes in transition.
Butler remained competitive early in the second half, cutting Ohio State's lead to two points. The Buckeyes eventually took control with a 12-0 run that extended their lead to 72-55 with 6:53 remaining. The Bulldogs cut into the deficit down the stretch, but Ohio State held on for the nine-point victory.
Ohio State shot 50 percent from the field and 40.9 percent from three-point range. The Buckeyes also held a 23-6 advantage in fast-break points, although rebounding remains a concern. Butler outrebounded Ohio State 42-33, including 19 offensive rebounds.
Butler was led by Jalen Jackson's 27 points, while Treyson Anderson added 17.
Thad Matta Honored at Halftime
The afternoon also featured a tribute to former Ohio State head coach Thad Matta, who retired following the 2025-26 season with 502 career victories.
Matta coached Ohio State from 2004 through 2017, winning a program-record 337 games and leading the Buckeyes to two Final Four appearances. His return to Columbus provided a special moment for a program preparing to begin another season under Jake Diebler.
What's Next
Ohio State opens its regular season Monday, November 2, against BYU at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. Tipoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET on FS1.
