NCAA BASKETBALL: Ohio State finally dancing again, paired against TCU in 8-9 opener

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Ohio State is back in the NCAA Tournament, ending a four-year wait for senior Bruce Thornton and his Buckeyes. The No. 8 seed faces No. 9 TCU on Thursday in the Round of 64 in Greenville, S.C., with the winner likely to meet No. 1 Duke in the second round.

The Buckeyes enter the tournament with momentum, winning four of their last five games, including victories over Purdue and Iowa. They finished the season 21-12, grinding through a schedule that included 14 games against NCAA Tournament teams. Ohio State coach Jake Diebler expects a tough challenge from the Horned Frogs.

"I think they're a really good team and I think we're a really good team," Diebler said. "We're anticipating a big-time game. We're going to be fighting, possession by possession."

Thornton, Ohio State’s all-time leading scorer with 2,154 career points, leads the team with 20.3 points per game. Sophomore John Mobley Jr. adds 15.6 points per game, followed by Devin Royal at 13.7.

TCU (22-11) also comes in with strong form, winning nine of 10 late-season games after a rough start in the Big 12. The Horned Frogs, coached by veteran Jamie Dixon, went 2-3 against a tough regular-season schedule that included three No. 1 seeds and two No. 2 seeds. TCU is led by David Punch, averaging 14.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game, with Xavier Edmonds adding 12.6 points and 6.6 rebounds.

"We know we've got to play well," Dixon said. "It doesn't matter who we play, we've got to play better. Teams that play their best stay out of foul trouble and stay healthy. I hope that's us."

With both teams battle-tested and ready for March Madness, Thursday’s matchup promises a competitive game with a spot in the second round on the line.

— Jack Batten, Field Level Media/Reuters