Records
Ohio State 21-9 (11-8), Michigan State 21-9 (13-6)
Broadcast, TV, Game Time
Date: Sunday, March 8
Game Time: 4:30 PM
Venue: Breslin Center, East Lansing, MI
Network: CBS
There’s not a whole lot on the line for Ohio State as it travels to East Lansing, but there’s a shot at playing spoiler. The Buckeyes already ruined Illinois’ chance at a regular-season title, and it now gets an opportunity to do the same to Michigan State.
But it’s senior night in the Breslin Center and Michigan State might be playing the best basketball of anyone in the Big Ten here as of late. After all, it is March, and head coach Tom Izzo seems to get his teams ready around this time of year.
More than that, playing the Spartans in their building has been a house of horrors as of late. Ohio State has gotten blown out more often than not, and its last win in East Lansing was all the way back in 2012 when William Buford became a hero.
If OSU is able to pull it off, it’ll go down as perhaps the most impressive win of the season because of the venue and all that’s going on to provide an emotional boost for the home team.
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Next … The Ohio State game plan
Ohio State cliff notes game plan
Almost anytime you play a Tom Izzo coached Michigan State team, it comes down to rebounding and fastbreak points. The Spartans like to get out and go and push the ball down the court as soon as the ball goes through the hoop on the defensive end, and if you’re not back and ready, they’ll sneak some easy points.
And on the glass, it’s just a part of the culture taught by Izzo. The team will crash the boards on both ends, looking for extra opportunities. It works more often than not. The OSU players have to be tough in this one and box out, claw for loose balls, and hope for the best.
On the offensive end, Ohio State has enjoyed a lot of success recently in pulling big men out from the basket by stretching Kaleb Wesson on the perimeter. It might be the way to go in this one too. Big man Xavier Tillman is much more comfortable and effective guarding big men in the post, and getting him out in space could open up driving lanes and post-up opportunities for guys like E.J. Lidell and Andre Wesson.
Next … Key Player And Prediction
Key Player For Ohio State
E.J. Liddell. The freshman power forward is coming into his own, and he might be big part of this one too. I expect Tillman to neutralize Kaleb Wesson on the blocks, and as mentioned, for Holtmann to try and the Spartan big out from protecting the rim. If that happens, Liddell’s going to get some opportunities to work down low. He’s figuring out the physicality and effort needed to play in the rough and tumble Big Ten, and if he can provide some toughness and scoring in the paint, there’s a chance for the shocker.
How It’ll All Go Down
It’s one thing to go to Michigan and win on the road. It’s another to go to East Lansing on senior day with a regular-season Big Ten title on the line and expect a similar result. The Spartans are going to be charged up to send out Cassius Winston out a winner, and want to notch another Big Ten title in their belts. I’m not sure the Buckeyes have the depth and fortitude to walk into this hornet’s nest and pull out the win. But hey, if you’ve followed these predictions, I’ve been wrong many times before.
Final Score
Michigan State 72, Ohio State 60
Line
Michigan State -7
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