The Buckeyes and Spartans clashed in Value City Arena tonight in a battle that was a lot closer than the experts predicted. In the end, though, the Buckeyes returned to their winning ways with a 71-61 victory. Ultimately, the game was a lot closer than it should have been on the strength of Michigan State’s excellent shooting, while the Buckeyes simultaneously had a relatively poor night from the field. William Buford’s 23 points lead all scorers, to which he added 5 rebounds and a pair of assists.
Things started auspiciously for the Spartans when Durrell Summers committed two quick fouls and ended up on the bench before the first TV timeout. Summers, one of the starting guards and key scorers for the Spartans, was a critical loss early in the game for Michigan State giving the Buckeyes an advantage on the defensive end for the first half.
Both teams started out sluggishly, playing a tough defensive battle through the first quarter of the game. Neither team was able to find much success in the paint. This was particularly true for the Buckeyes who came into the game trying to drive the lane as much as possible. This was a surprising change in offensive strategy for the Bucks, considering they prefer to use the dribble drive as an adjustment. It was unclear if the change was the result of the Wisconsin game, or something identified in the MSU game film.
Despite missing Summers, the Spartans were still able to play their style of basketball. By continuing to send the ball into the paint, MSU managed to cost Sullinger his two fouls with 8 minutes left in the first half and the game tied at 20. With Sullinger out of the game, it was a concern as to how the Buckeye’s offense and defense would peform without him.
Michigan State took their time in taking advantage of OSU’s weakness. After several minutes of back-and-forth sloppy play the Spartans started to gain confidence in the game. It began to feel as if the Buckeyes were hanging on for dear life and Michigan State was able to do whatever they wanted. That’s quite the disturbing feeling to have when playing a 14-10 team, even if it is Michigan State.
Through dedicated effort, along with some solid defense, the Buckeyes were able to secure a one point lead going into the half. For the half, the Spartans shot a ludicrious 62.5% (15-24) from the floor and 100% (1-1) from three, compared to Ohio State’s 44.4% (12-27) and 33.3% (3-9) respectively. Considering the Buckeyes still had a lead after a shooting half like that was a measure of the skill for this Buckeye’s team.
While the Buckeyes didn’t outrebound the Spartans, they did commit three fewer fouls (7-4) and 4 fewer fouls (10-6) for the half. They also had the only double digit scorer for the half in Buford with his 14 points. Adreian Payne for MSU came off the bench to lead the Spartans with 8.
Coming out of halftime, the game did not change much. Niether team was particularly able to take control of the game, and the score often vascillated over the first few minutes. With Sullinger back in the game OSU’s offense did appear more capable, but still seemed particularly sloppy. Of particular worry was that it seemed like the Buckeyes simply couldn’t buy a basket, shooting as cold as we had seen all seaason.
Momentum started to shift when Lighty drove the ball down the left baseline to the bucket for a basket and one. The effort Lighty showed on the play really lit the Buckeyes on fire on the defensive end. A couple of quick turnovers into fast break points, and a Diebler three pointer, started to change the game in Ohio State’s favor.
The guy who gained the most from the sudden build-up of momentum had to be William Buford. Buford scored a quick 7 points, including one off a great Lighty screen in the left corner. With Value City finally making some serious noise, Tom Izzo was forced to call a timeout and settle his troops.
Give Michigan State plenty of credit for this one. Izzo’s boys did a fantastic job of completely boxing Sullinger out of the paint. Through 35 minutes of game, Sullinger had collected a single rebound, and that board was on the offensive end. For a guy regularly collecting double-doubles in points and rebounds, that was a major feat for the Spartans to pull off.
Once the Buckeyes had started to run away with the game, it was only a matter of time before things started to get carried away. It was sealed when Draymond Green fouled Aaron Craft on the baseline before picking up a technical foul for swearing at one of the referees. The points OSU scored gave them the first double digit lead of the game and completely took the wind out of MSU’s sails.
The Buckeyes shot a surprisingly poor 42.9% (21-49) from the field today. It’s strange to imagine that the Buckeyes have been shooting so well recently that 42.9% is a poor shooting night. Worse yet, they shot only 35.3% (6-17) from three – though that remains better than the 33.3% (3-9) shot at Wisconsin. Michigan State responded with a fantastic 57.4% (27-47) from the floor and 40% (2-5) from three, helping keep them in the ball game.
Impressively, the Bucks shot a very solid 79.3% (23-29) from the free throw line, making two games in a row that the Buckeyes have shot so well from the charity stripe. Hopefully that is a sign of things to come.
William Bufords 23 points on 9-15 shooting lead all scorers, and he was joined by Lighty (12), Diebler (12) and Sullinger (11) for the game. Michigan State’s Kalin Lucas responded with 14, while Draymond Green and Adreian Payne put up 10 a piece.
Ohio State will next face Purdue in West Lafayette on Sunday, February 20th at 1:00 PM Eastern Time. You’ll be able to see that game on CBS.
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