Michigan State Edges Out Ohio State
In a compelling matchup on Sunday, No. 15 Michigan State edged out Ohio State with a score of 66-60 in East Lansing, bolstered by Carson Cooper’s standout performance. The Spartans’ forward not only registered a personal best of 20 points but also contributed 11 rebounds to secure the victory. Michigan State improved its record to 22-5 overall and 12-4 in the Big Ten, positioning themselves in a three-way tie for third place alongside Nebraska and Purdue, who are ranked No. 9 and No. 7, respectively.
Ohio State’s Struggles Continue
On the opposing side, Ohio State struggled to find their footing, dropping to 17-10 overall and 9-7 in the conference. This latest loss marked the Buckeyes’ ninth consecutive defeat against Quadrant 1 opponents, a concerning statistic that jeopardizes their hopes for an invitation to the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
Missing key players Devin Royal, who was sidelined due to illness, and John Mobley, who is injured, significantly impacted Ohio State’s performance—as they were unable to tap into the 29 points per game that these players typically provide. Despite this, Bruce Thornton showcased exceptional talent, scoring 32 points on 12 of 22 shooting, yet struggled to receive adequate support from his teammates. Christoph Tilly managed to score 10 points with an impressive 90% shooting rate, but the rest of the squad combined for only 11 baskets out of 30 attempts.
Thornton’s Notable Performance
Thornton’s scoring feat was particularly notable given that just days prior he netted 27 points in a victory against No. 24 Wisconsin, marking the Buckeyes’ first triumph over a ranked opponent this season. In doing so, the senior point guard moved up the all-time scoring ranks at Ohio State, now trailing only Dennis Hopson for the school’s career points record.
Game Highlights
Michigan State looked in command late in the game, leading by a double-digit margin until Ohio State made a late surge, scoring seven points in a row to narrow the gap. However, Jordan Scott’s free throw with just under 10 seconds remaining and Cooper’s subsequent free throws effectively sealed the win for the Spartans. Jaxon Kohler also had a noteworthy contribution for Michigan State with nine points and ten rebounds amid challenges with foul trouble.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Ohio State will travel to Iowa for their next game on Wednesday, while Michigan State prepares for a challenging match against No. 7 Purdue on Thursday.
