Ohio State Basketball: Spartans have too much firepower for Buckeyes
For 32 minutes Ohio State battled Michigan State to a draw but a late run by the Spartans was too much for the Buckeyes.
Ohio State held down the powerful Michigan State scoring attack for most of the game but in the end the Spartans simply had too much firepower. They went on a 20-2 run to finish the game and defeated the Buckeyes 62-44.
Ohio State was in control much of the first half by making it difficult for Michigan State to get into an offensive flow. The Buckeyes weren’t exactly lighting up the scoreboard but hit enough shots to take a 32-26 lead into halftime.
The Spartans came out of the break scoring five straight points and it was a close affair until around the eight minute mark. Michigan State took a 42-39 lead on a shot from behind the arc by Kenny Goins and Ohio State tied the game on a three by C.J. Jackson.
Then Kyle Ahrens hit one from deep and the Spartans never looked back.
The Spartans didn’t shoot great from the field, only 38.2 percent, but they hit 38.5 percent from behind the arc. Both marks were better than the Buckeyes’ 32.1 and 26.7.
Michigan State was led by Matt McQuaid with 14 points, Cassius Winston scored 13 and Kenny Goins added 10. Ohio State’s only player in double figures was Kaleb Wesson with 12 points.
Stats per ESPN.com.
More from Ohio State Buckeyes
- Ohio State Football: Lee Corso celebrates his 400th head gear, tradition that began with Brutus
- Win $250 GUARANTEED Bonus Betting on Ohio State This Week at Caesars Sportsbook
- Bet365 Ohio Promo: Bet $1 on Buckeyes in Week 2, Win $200 Bonus!
- DraftKings + FanDuel Ohio Promos: Bet $10 on OSU vs. Indiana, Win $400 Bonus GUARANTEED!
- Ohio State names Ted Carter as it’s 17th school President
Quick takes:
Ohio State matched Michigan State’s intensity for most of the game but there is a big disparity in the offensive skill sets of players on the two teams. And the Spartans believe they can score while the Buckeyes hope they can.
Nearly every Ohio State regular has shown promise of becoming a scoring threat this season but none has been consistent doing so. Hopefully that’s because most of them are young, and possibly after going through a rugged Big Ten schedule they will understand the things they will have to improve on during the offseason.
I tend to doubt the scoring output will increase significantly during the remainder of this season though. If it hasn’t after 25 games I don’t see how it can.
Next. It will pay Dwayne Haskins to have a strong Combine. dark
All is not lost because the Buckeyes are still in the hunt for an NCAA Tournament bid. However, with four games among the final six against ranked teams it will be difficult to go ‘dancing’ in March.