Ohio State entered Friday riding high after three straight wins, including a huge victory over top-ranked Kentucky. But Michigan State had other plans, dominating in the paint with 38 points and securing a gritty 69-62 win in the Big Ten opener for both teams.
The No. 18 Spartans (12-2, 3-0 Big Ten) controlled the game with 16 second-chance points and 5 blocks, led by center Szymon Zapala’s surprising 15-point performance. Guard Jaden Akins added 14, and forward Coen Carr chipped in 11. On the Ohio State side, guard Micah Parrish led with 13 points, while star Bruce Thornton added 10.
Both teams struggled offensively in a defensive showdown, combining for a dismal 10-of-45 from three-point range and committing 32 turnovers. Ohio State fought back from a 14-point deficit in the second half to briefly take the lead, but they couldn’t close it out, with Michigan State finishing strong in the final minutes.
The game started slowly, with Ohio State shooting just 2-of-8 from the field early on. But they sparked a brief offensive surge, led by Ques Glover and Aaron Bradshaw, to take a 13-9 lead. However, Michigan State quickly regained momentum, hitting their first three-pointer after a rough start and then capitalizing on Ohio State turnovers to extend their lead to 37-29 at halftime.
In the second half, the Spartans dominated the boards, and Zapala’s hustle kept Michigan State in control. Ohio State mounted a comeback with an 8-0 run, led by Thornton’s five straight points, but Michigan State responded with a crucial 9-0 run to push their lead to 56-50. Despite strong performances from Parrish and others, the Spartans held on, hitting key free throws to seal the 69-62 win.
The Spartans’ dominance in the paint proved too much for Ohio State, and despite their best efforts, the Buckeyes fell short in a hard-fought battle.
