Deshaun Thomas scored 21 points – missing nine straight shots at one point and making five in a row at another – to lead No. 7 Ohio State past Winthrop 65-55 in a surprisingly close contest in Columbus, Ohio.

It was the last tuneup for the Buckeyes (9-1) before Saturday’s rematch with No. 9 Kansas. The Jayhawks beat them twice last year, once at Allen Fieldhouse and then in the Final Four.

Lenzelle Smith Jr. added 14 points for the Buckeyes, who have won four in a row, all at home, since a 73-68 loss at No. 2 Duke on Nov. 28 in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.