CLEVELAND, Ohio — Ohio State’s game-winning play over West Virginia in the second overtime period was simple: give the ball to Bruce Thornton and get out of his way.

It took so much to get to this moment.

The Buckeyes did all they could in regulation to endure a 14-point deficit, while awaiting their top player in Thornton to come through.

His teammates did the dirty work to keep them in the game. From their defense creating transition points, to matching the Mountaineers’ physical brand of ball.

Once extra time came after the first 40 minutes expired, Thornton took care of the rest in the two overtime periods.

He delivered bucket after another.

None more important than the final one.

A tightly covered Thornton took it down to the top of the key before finding a mismatch and looking

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