The Michigan State Spartans almost had sole possession of the Big Ten regular season title, but were faltered by Ohio State on the last day of the season as the Buckeyes won a last second thriller to force a three way title share. Michigan State got their revenge in the Big Ten Tournament final, winning 68-64 to take the conference's championship.
The first half featured bad rebounding by Michigan State, but good bench play and far better three point shooting than Ohio State had, which led to a 34-32 lead.
Brandon Wood, almost invisible in the first half, turned it on big time in the second frame as the game began to shift into a game of runs. Both teams picked up ten or more point streaks only to see the opposition put together a streak of their own, which kept the game close but with ever-shifting lead changes.
The Spartans defense had a great showing in the second half when they kept the Buckeyes from scoring for five straight minutes going into the final four minutes of the game, but the offense wasn't able to take advantage as Michigan State only were able to put a five point lead up at most.
WIth just under two minutes remaining, Draymond Green hit a huge three pointer that gave Michigan State a 67-62 and the Spartans never looked back from that point. Ohio State's late baskets wouldn't fall and the Spartans were able to time waste well enough to keep the game out of reach despite a late comeback attempt thanks to some missed free throws. The final score was 68-64 in favor of the Spartans.
Brandon Wood was the MVP for the Spartans, getting 21 poins and a rebound along with two assists. Wood was the only player to score over 20 from either team.
Neither team was expected to get a No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament bracket, but after the loss by North Carolina in their tournament final the Spartans may just have a chance as selection Sunday goes along.
For more on the Michigan State Spartans, visit The Only Colors. For more on the Ohio State Buckeyes, head to Along The Olentangy. For more March Madness coverage, be sure to check out SB Nation's NCAA Basketball hub.
The Michigan State Spartans almost had sole possession of the Big Ten regular season title, but were faltered by Ohio State on the last day of the season as the Buckeyes won a last second thriller to force a three way title share. Michigan State got their revenge in the Big Ten Tournament final, winning 68-64 to take the conference's championship.
The first half featured bad rebounding by Michigan State, but good bench play and far better three point shooting than Ohio State had, which led to a 34-32 lead.
Brandon Wood, almost invisible in the first half, turned it on big time in the second frame as the game began to shift into a game of runs. Both teams picked up ten or more point streaks only to see the opposition put together a streak of their own, which kept the game close but with ever-shifting lead changes.
The Spartans defense had a great showing in the second half when they kept the Buckeyes from scoring for five straight minutes going into the final four minutes of the game, but the offense wasn't able to take advantage as Michigan State only were able to put a five point lead up at most.
WIth just under two minutes remaining, Draymond Green hit a huge three pointer that gave Michigan State a 67-62 and the Spartans never looked back from that point. Ohio State's late baskets wouldn't fall and the Spartans were able to time waste well enough to keep the game out of reach despite a late comeback attempt thanks to some missed free throws. The final score was 68-64 in favor of the Spartans.
Brandon Wood was the MVP for the Spartans, getting 21 poins and a rebound along with two assists. Wood was the only player to score over 20 from either team.
Neither team was expected to get a No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament bracket, but after the loss by North Carolina in their tournament final the Spartans may just have a chance as selection Sunday goes along.
For more on the Michigan State Spartans, visit The Only Colors. For more on the Ohio State Buckeyes, head to Along The Olentangy. For more March Madness coverage, be sure to check out SB Nation's NCAA Basketball hub.