Deshaun Thomas had 17 points and seven rebounds Saturday as No. 5 Ohio State routed visiting UNC Wilmington 81-41.

The Buckeyes (3-0) opened the game with a 24-8 run and cruised to a 48-16 halftime lead. William Buford (12 points, six rebounds, five assists) was among five Ohio State players scoring in double digits, with Jordan Sibert adding 11 off the bench. David Lighty scored 10 points while forward Dallas Lauderdale led the Buckeyes in rebounds with 10.

Freshman center Jared Sullinger, who started his career with consecutive double-doubles, had 11 points and eight rebounds against the Seahawks (2-2).

UNC Wilmington was led by Chad Tomko’s 13 points and five points in the matchup, part of the Global Sports Invitational. Guard Matthew Wallace came off the bench to score 14 for the Seahawks, who were picked to finish last in the Colonial Athletic Association preseason poll.

Ohio State, which beat No. 9 Florida last Tuesday, outrebounded UNC Wilmington, 47-24. This was the first meeting between the two teams.