Michigan State Beats Ohio State To Hold Off Tournament Bubble
The Michigan State Spartans picked up an important bubble win on Tuesday in their rematch with the Ohio State Buckeyes, 74-66.
The Michigan State Spartans (16-10, 8-5) defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes (15-12, 5-9) at home on Tuesday, 74-66, earning a win that gives them a little more breathing room on the bubble heading into the final stretch of the season.
The Spartans took the early lead and held on to it for most of the first half, bolstered by five Alvin Ellis III three-pointers in the first eight minutes to lead 21-12. The Buckeyes when on a 14-4 run to take the lead themselves, but Michigan State regained the advantage as the half wound down and led 40-34 at halftime.
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The Spartans opened the half on a 6-0 run to take their largest lead of the game, but the Buckeyes responded with a 12-1 run to cut the deficit to 47-46. Michigan State held on, however, and built their lead back into double-digits with under six minutes left as they held Ohio State scoreless for three minutes. The Buckeyes never closed the deficit to less than seven in the final minutes as the Spartans held on for a 74-66 win.
Ellis led Michigan State with 18 points, all on three-pointers, and grabbed seven rebounds. Miles Bridges earned his second consecutive double-double, the sixth of his career, with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Nick Ward scored 15 points. Cassius Winston dished out nine assists and leads the Big Ten with eight games with eight or more assists.
The Spartans outrebounded the Buckeyes 39-33 but were still plagued by turnovers, committing 16, including 11 in the second half. 20 of Michigan State’s 25 field goals were assisted.
Marc Loving led the Buckeyes with 22 points. Jae’Sean Tate, Ohio State’s leading scorer on the season, was held to seven points and committed six turnovers. JaQuan Lyle scored ten points off the bench.
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The Spartans will be on the road on Saturday, taking on #16 Purdue at 4:00 on ESPN.