February frenzy is the pre-cursor to March Madness. Ohio State bounced back in a big way after their loss in Wisconsin on Sunday. The second ranked Buckeyes fought past the Spartans 71-61 on Tuesday. The win lends credibility to why Ohio State still deserves a number one seed in the NCAA tournament next month. William Buford helped get the Bucks back on track with 23 points. Ohio State forced 19 turnovers and pulled away in the second half at Value City Arena for their 12th conference win. Michigan State fell to 6-7 and is log jammed in fifth place in the Big 10. Kalin Lucas led the Spartans with 14 points and five assists in MSU’s sixth straight loss on the road.
Ohio State and Michigan State traded leads eight times throughout the tight first half. Ohio State took a one point edge into the break despite being out-rebounded by MSU. The Buckeyes capitalized on Michigan State’s early foul shooting. Ohio State’s eleven buckets from the stripe secured their first half advantage and made up for poor shooting by a few of Thad Matta’s starters. The Spartans pieced together an impressive first half by shooting over 50%, but couldn’t complete the game in Columbus. MSU opened the second half with a 36-35 lead on Garrick’s Sherman’s layup. OSU answered on back-to-back Spartan turnovers and regained the lead. The Spartans countered again to keep the seesaw second half swinging before David Lighty completed a three-point play for a 45-44 OSU edge.
Tom Izzo’s team was doomed by turnovers as Ohio State widened their lead heading into the final twelve minutes. Jon Diebler and Lighty finished with 12 points each, while Jared Sullinger was held to just 11 points. Draymond Green’s desperation three from the top of the key was followed by a Lucas drive down the lane to narrow OSU’s lead to two. Buford drained a downtown shot from the left wing for a 56-51 Buckeye advantage with just over nine minutes on the clock. Green and Adreian Payne contributed ten points for Izzo’s Spartans. Michigan State rallied to get within four points at the four minute mark, but Ohio State knocked down eight free throws to surge ahead. Ohio State made 23-of-29 from the charity stripe. Michigan had only six attempts from the line. Aaron Craft was pivotal down the stretch for OSU, adding four steals and five free throws on the night. The Buckeyes have won 18 consecutive contests in Columbus.
Parting Points: Albert Pujols is officially a free agent. Where will he land?
On the bookshelf- “Irretrievable” by Theodor Fontane
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