Buckeyes Research Paper

What We Learned: Ohio State Buckeyes 72, Michigan State Spartans 67

On Sunday afternoon, the Michigan State Spartans and Ohio State Buckeyes collided in Columbus, Ohio for a Big Ten battle. While the Spartans entered the matchup sitting on top of conference play, the Buckeyes were still in pursuit of their first Big Ten win.

Michigan State (12-6, Big Ten 4-1) came out scorching hot in the first, connecting on their first six shot attempts. However, the Spartan’s early success was short lived, as the Buckeyes began to form a sudden comeback. After kicking off the first half down 15-7, Ohio State (10-7, Big Ten 0-4) captured the lead heading into the half, 33-36.

The second half revealed a back-and-fourth battle between the two teams, as the lead switched hands six times. Despite a valiant effort from both sides, it was Ohio State who walked away with their first conference victory this season, 72-67.

Ohio State Has Improved.

After failing to pick up a conference win in their first four matchups this season, Ohio State showed some promise down the stretch. The Buckeyes exhibited tremendous chemistry on the hardwood, as five players notched double figures on the afternoon. Sophomore guard Jaquan Lyle, led the way with his 22-point, six-rebound and four-assist performance, while Jae’Sean Tate and Marc Loving each contributed 12 points in the win. Throughout the entire match, whether he was on the perimeter, or in the paint, the Buckeyes ability to find the open man was unmatched.

Ohio State’s unselfishness on the floor was one of the many forces behind their big-time win. Even though his may be the Buckeye’s first Big Ten win, they do have potential. Ohio State fell to Purdue, a top team in the conference this year, by just one point earlier this season. However, that loss and this win were both played in front of a home crowd. Ohio State must learn how to bring the same winning mentality on the road, if they expect to compete with the Big Ten’s