Ohio State basketball: Buckeyes try to get back on track vs. MSU

The Ohio State basketball team tries to get themselves back on track when they face Michigan State tonight at 9 pm on ESPN.

The Ohio State basketball team lost their first game in a while when they fell to TTUN on Sunday. They have had quite a few days to rest up and scout Michigan State, who is a much better team than they were just even a week or two ago. In fact, they are the hottest team in the league right now.

Tom Izzo’s team is trying to make a push to make the NCAA Tournament. After going through non-conference play undefeated, they have lost 9 games in the Big Ten. Suddenly though, they look like a formidable team that no one wants to play right now.

In fact, Michigan State has won their last two games including beating the fifth-ranked Illini just two days ago. If they beat Ohio State tonight, suddenly their resumé looks like an NCAA Tournament team. Beating two top-five teams in a row would give them a really good shot.

The Buckeyes will be without Kyle Young, which makes this game even harder. Ohio State will have to rely on their potent offense to win this game without Young, who is their best defender. It will be up to Duane Washington and E.J. Liddell to make sure the Buckeyes win tonight.

Game prediction: Ohio State 82 Michigan State 75

Ohio State showed against Michigan that they don’t have any issues scoring. The problem will be on the defensive end. I expect them to be able to score enough points that the Spartans simply won’t be able to keep up with them. The Buckeyes should be able to bounce back.

If Ohio State doesn’t win tonight, it’s a serious problem. I don’t foresee that happening though. This team is too talented.