+1
For more on the Michigan State Spartans, go to The Only Colors.
The top two teams in the Big Ten are set to clash on Saturday evening when the No. 11 Michigan State Spartans visit the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes at Value City Arena.
The Buckeyes enter the game riding a six-game winning streak after holding on at home to beat Purdue 87-84 on Tuesday. The impressive stretch of wins helped Ohio State assert itself as the class of a tough Big Ten conference and strong NCAA title contender.
The Spartans remain in that conversation as well though, just one game behind Ohio State in the standings and ready to change that in this monster matchup. Speaking of monster matchups, this game presents what should be a battle of big bodies with Michigan State's Draymond Green fighting for every inch of real estate in the paint against Ohio State's Jared Sullinger.
Sullinger leads the Buckeyes with 17.4 points and nine rebounds per game, establishing his credentials for Big Ten Player of the Year with his strong play of late. Green does much of the same for the Spartans offering 15.2 points and 10.6 rebounds per game and can earn more Big Ten POY consideration with a strong game today.
Ohio State boasts a better supporting cast with William Buford capable of taking over a game by himself and Deshaun Thomas and Aaron Craft requiring attention. But Michigan State has plenty of toughness and strong games from Keith Appling and Branden Dawson should put the Spartans in position to win in the end.
The games is slated to tip off at 6:00 p.m. ET and will be televised on ESPN
For more on the Michigan State Spartans, go to The Only Colors. You can also head over to SB Nation's main NCAA Basketball hub at SBNation.com/NCAA-Basketball.
Michigan State Vs. Ohio State Final Score: No. 12 Spartans Upend No. 3 Buckeyes With Stingy Defense, 58-48
The No. 12 Michigan State Spartans moved into a first place in the Big Ten by snapping No. 3 Ohio State's six-game winning streak on Saturday evening, 58-48, in front of a sold out Value City Arena in Columbus.
Ohio State led early in the game, but Michigan State then went on an 18-5 run in the middle 10 minutes of the first half, paced by Draymond Green's seven points. At the half, Michigan State held a 10-point lead, Ohio State's largest deficit at the half of the season.
In the second, Michigan State clamped down on defense after Ohio State made a charge early in the half to get back within five. Ultimately, the Spartans' defense was just too much as Ohio State finished the game shooting a putrid 26-percent.
Adreian Payne led MSU with 15 points on a perfect shooting night. Jared Sullinger had
a triple-double17 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 turnovers for Ohio State.For more on the Michigan State Spartans, go to SB Nation's Spartans blog The Only Colors. If you're looking for the other side, go to Along The Olentangy. All your news and analysis on college basketball can be found at SB Nation's main NCAA Basketball hub, SBNation.com/NCAA-Basketball.
Feb 11 8:29p by Brian Packey