Spartans' NET Edge Proves Too Much for Buckeyes' Fading Season

The 12th-ranked Michigan State Spartans edged the 37th-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes 66-60 on Saturday at the Breslin Center, securing a six-point victory. The Spartans outlasted the Buckeyes in the second half, ultimately pulling away to seal the win. Michigan State, boasting a 12th NET ranking, proved too much for Ohio State, ranked 37th nationally.

One player's exceptional performance stood out in the Spartans' victory, as they dominated the box score. This player's stat line of 31 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks, and 1 steal far exceeded their season averages, a testament to their individual brilliance. The contrast between their performance and the season averages is striking, highlighting their pivotal role in the Spartans' success.

Michigan State's offense was fueled by the consistent production of its key players. A 29-point, 10-rebound performance from AJ Dybantsa set the tone for the Spartans, with Cooper's efficient shooting from the field (7-10 FG) and the free-throw line (6-6 FT) contributing significantly to the team's overall scoring output. His 20 points and 11 rebounds were matched by a strong defensive effort that limited Ohio State's second-chance opportunities.

Jeremy Fears Jr.'s exceptional playmaking skills proved crucial in the game's final minutes, as he orchestrated Michigan State's offense with 8 assists, helping to secure the team's victory. Jordan Scott provided a much-needed scoring boost off the bench, netting 12 points on 4-7 shooting from the field, including 1-2 from beyond the arc. His strong all-around performance, including 4 rebounds and 3 assists, helped to stretch the Ohio State defense and create opportunities for his teammates.

Despite the loss, Bruce Thornton's 32 points on 12-22 shooting from the field, including 2-8 from three-point range, were a bright spot for the Buckeyes, but ultimately not enough to propel his team to victory. His 4 rebounds and 2 assists were solid contributions, but his shooting efficiency was a concern.

Finishing with 10 points and 8 rebounds, Christoph Tilly's production was respectable, but his inability to score from the free-throw line, where he was 0-3, was a notable weakness. Ivan Njegovan's 6 points on 2-2 shooting, including 2-2 from the free-throw line, were a limited contribution, but his lack of assists was a notable aspect of his performance.

The remainder of the rosters for both teams largely adhered to their season averages, with no notable deviations from established trends.

In retrospect, the pre-game prediction of a 11-point Michigan State victory proved accurate, albeit by a narrower margin. The final score of 66-60 reflected a more closely contested game than initially anticipated, but ultimately, the Spartans' overall performance validated the projected outcome.

A closer examination of the game's deciding factors reveals that Michigan State's dominance on the glass and its ability to limit Ohio State's efficient offense were crucial in securing the win. The Spartans' rebounding prowess, which is a season-long strength, was particularly evident in this contest, as they secured a higher share of available rebounds than their average. Conversely, Ohio State's meager rebounding rate was a notable departure from its season average, a trend that significantly impacted the Buckeyes' ability to control the tempo and capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Michigan State's victory over Ohio State bolsters their NCAA Tournament resume, with a 22-5 record and a perfect 6-0 mark against Quad 2 opponents. This result should solidify their position as a legitimate at-large contender, potentially placing them in the 4-6 seed range come Selection Sunday. Their Quad 1 record of 6-5 is still a notable concern, but their overall body of work and this critical win should alleviate some of those concerns. Meanwhile, Ohio State's loss drops them to 17-10, with a woeful 0-9 mark in Quad 1 games that will make it increasingly difficult for them to become an at-large contender. Their 7-1 record in Quad 2 games is a silver lining, but it may not be enough to overcome their Quad 1 struggles.