Ohio State Allows the Spartans to Finish Strong

Durrell Simmons scored often and early on the Buckeyes keeping Michigan State in the game in the first half when Ohio State outperformed his team in almost every statistic. But the 2nd half was all about Michigan State starting point guard Kalin Lucas who was kept out of the starting line-up but came off the bench and scored 20 points all after half time.

By Steve Patterson

Second Chance Opportunities

Offensive Rebounding was a major issue for Ohio State or a major advantage for the Spartans as Michigan State was able to pull down 15 offensive rebounds and scored 19 points on these second chance opportunities. Ohio State grabbed only 3 offensive rebounds. With the help of second chance opportunities, Ohio State cooling at the end of a red hot first three quarters, and Kalin Lucas turning on his play making ability, the Spartans turned a 3 point lead with 6 minutes remaining into an 11 point victory. Ohio State tried to slow the final minute and a half down with defensive fouls and offensive 3 point shots by Jeremie Simmons, but when William Bufford missed a late 3 point shot, there wasn’t much Ohio State could do.

Evan Turner Leads for Ohio State

A bright spot for Ohio State was the play of Evan Turner who was in the game all 40 minutes, scored 19 points, had 6 rebounds, 3 assists, shot 6-8 from the field and 6-8 from the foul line. Jon Diebler had a nice game for the Buckeyes shooting 50% from behind the three point line and scoring three times at the line. Diebler also made a key assist late in the game, feeding Dallas Lauderdale on a pick and role allowing Lauderdale to dunk without much interference.