Michigan State Vs Ohio State Men's Basketball
The Michigan State Spartans faced off against the Ohio State Buckeyes in a highly anticipated men's basketball matchup on Sunday evening. The game was played at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Michigan, and it did not disappoint. The Spartans were looking to bounce back after a tough loss to Purdue, while the Buckeyes were hoping to continue their winning ways after a big victory over Rutgers. In the end, it was the Spartans who came out on top, winning 78-67.
The First Half: A Back-and-Forth Battle
The first half of the game was a back-and-forth battle between the two teams. The Spartans started off strong, jumping out to an early lead thanks to some great shooting from their guards. However, the Buckeyes were able to claw their way back into the game behind the strong play of E.J. Liddell and Duane Washington Jr. Both teams traded baskets for most of the half, with neither team able to gain a significant advantage.
As the half was winding down, the Spartans were able to go on a run and take a 36-29 lead into halftime. Michigan State was led by the hot shooting of Aaron Henry, who had 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting in the half. Ohio State was paced by Liddell, who had 10 points and 5 rebounds.
The Second Half: Spartans Pull Away
The second half of the game saw the Spartans start to pull away from the Buckeyes. Michigan State was able to build a double-digit lead thanks to some strong play from their frontcourt. Joey Hauser and Thomas Kithier were able to control the paint and score some easy baskets, while Malik Hall provided some great energy off the bench.
The Buckeyes tried to keep it close, but the Spartans continued to knock down shots and extend their lead. Ohio State was hindered by some turnovers and missed shots down the stretch, which allowed Michigan State to maintain their advantage. In the end, the Spartans were able to secure a 78-67 victory over the Buckeyes.
Key Players and Stats
Michigan State was led by Aaron Henry, who had a game-high 27 points on 10-of-16 shooting. He also added 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Joey Hauser also had a strong game for the Spartans, finishing with 10 points and 8 rebounds. Thomas Kithier and Rocket Watts both chipped in with 8 points apiece.
Ohio State was paced by E.J. Liddell, who had 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Duane Washington Jr. also had a solid game with 17 points on 7-of-14 shooting. Justice Sueing added 11 points and 5 rebounds off the bench.
What's Next?
The win improves Michigan State's record to 10-7 on the season, while Ohio State drops to 12-5. The Spartans will look to build off this win as they prepare to face Indiana on the road. The Buckeyes, meanwhile, will try to get back on track when they take on Iowa at home.
Conclusion
The matchup between Michigan State and Ohio State was everything that fans could have hoped for. Both teams played hard and put on an entertaining show for those in attendance. In the end, it was the Spartans who were able to come out on top and secure an important victory. With the win, Michigan State improves their chances of making the NCAA tournament, while Ohio State will need to regroup and bounce back quickly if they want to stay among the top teams in the Big Ten.
