Ohio State desperately needs a signature win. So far, it’s playing like it’s interested in checking off that box as it leads Michigan State at the half by seven points, 31-25.
And that’s on the road folks.
Neither team shot the ball particularly well in the first twenty minutes, but the Buckeyes were a little better (40.0 to 31.0 percent). More than anything though, Ohio State has been able to take care of the ball and slow down the Michigan State break-outs. Both teams have only turned the ball over four times total, and it’ll be imperative that ball security be a major focus through the rest of the game at the Breslin Center.
In another bit of an upset so far, Ohio State leads Michigan State in rebounding 25-17. That’s the trifecta that’ll be needed to beat the Spartans on the road; shooting the ball better, cutting down turnovers, and holding off the Spartan rebounding efforts.
Kaleb Wesson leads Ohio State in scoring with eight points as he goes against fellow Central Ohio product Nick Ward. He’s only committed one foul so far meaning he’s been on the floor and active. It has to remain that way through the remainder of the second half.
Now it’s time for the second twenty minutes. Ohio State will have to absorb a few runs from the home team, play through adversity, and not get rattled and start throwing the ball around.
Play just like it did in the first half, and that signature win might just be there for the taking.
