Eric Boggs
Ohio State entered Friday night riding the momentum of three consecutive victories, including a statement win over a top-five Kentucky team. However, their hot streak was doused by the disciplined interior play of No. 18 Michigan State, as the Spartans secured a 69-62 victory in a closely contested game at Value City Arena.
The loss drops the Buckeyes to 9-5 overall and 1-2 in Big Ten play, while Michigan State improved to 12-2 and remained undefeated in conference action. Despite a spirited comeback, Ohio State couldn’t overcome the Spartans’ dominance in the paint and timely shooting.
Michigan State’s interior presence proved decisive, as the Spartans scored 38 points in the paint, added 16 second-chance points, and recorded five blocked shots. Center Szymon Zapala, who entered the game averaging just 5.5 points, delivered a standout performance with 15 points, while Jaden Akins and Coen Carr chipped in 14 and 11 points, respectively.
For Ohio State, fifth-year guard Micah Parrish led the scoring effort with 13 points, including 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. Star point guard Bruce Thornton added 10 points, while Sean Stewart grabbed a team-high eight rebounds. Despite their efforts, the Buckeyes struggled to maintain offensive efficiency, shooting just 2-of-14 from three-point range in the first half and turning the ball over 16 times.
Both teams struggled offensively in the opening minutes, as Michigan State led 9-5 over five minutes into the game. Ohio State sparked some momentum with an 8-0 run, highlighted by fastbreak opportunities and strong finishes around the rim, giving the Buckeyes a 13-9 lead. However, Michigan State quickly regained control, fueled by a three-pointer from Akins and a scoring burst by Zapala.
Compounding matters for Ohio State, Thornton left the court temporarily due to a minor injury, and the Buckeyes’ offense faltered in his absence. The Spartans closed the half on a 6-0 run, capitalizing on Ohio State’s turnovers to take a 37-29 lead into halftime.
The Spartans extended their lead to 14 early in the second half with relentless work on the boards, including three consecutive offensive rebounds that resulted in a Zapala dunk. Ohio State responded with an 8-0 run, fueled by Thornton’s midrange shooting and a fastbreak dunk from Stewart, cutting the deficit to four at 47-43.
The Buckeyes briefly reclaimed the lead at 50-49 with just under nine minutes remaining, thanks to key contributions from Thornton, Parrish, and John Mobley Jr. However, Michigan State countered with an 8-0 run, led by Xavier Booker and Tre Holloman, to regain control. Despite Parrish’s clutch shooting, the Spartans’ poise in the final minutes, including steady free-throw shooting, sealed the win.
Michigan State’s 38 points in the paint and second-chance opportunities highlighted Ohio State’s difficulty defending inside. The Buckeyes’ 2-of-14 three-point shooting in the first half and high turnover count were pivotal in the loss. Despite falling behind by 14, Ohio State showed tenacity in battling back to take the lead in the second half, a positive sign for conference play moving forward.
The Buckeyes will look to bounce back on Monday night as they travel to face Minnesota in a Big Ten matchup at Williams Arena. Tipoff is set for 9 p.m. ET, and the game will be broadcast on FS1.
Guard Meechie Johnson Jr. missed his fourth consecutive game for personal reasons. Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo will celebrate his 70th birthday later this month and shared that he and Ohio State football head coach Ryan Day have developed a friendship. Former Ohio State players Jared Sullinger and Mark Titus were spotted in attendance, cheering on the Buckeyes.
