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
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