Ohio State Shocks Michigan State, Shakes Up Big Ten Standings

Ohio State (21-7) did what few experts picked them to do going into this game, win. The Buckeyes have not fared well in East Lansing historically, but today was different.

Coach Matta used only six players during the 74-67 win over Michigan State (21-7), and that was only because Dallas Lauderdale got into foul trouble. Lauderdale finished with eight points and eight rebounds, even with his replacement Kyle Madsen fouling out.

Helping to increase the odds in Michigan State’s favor today was the fact that Buckeye star Evan Turner is battling the flu. “You have to give him credit for how well he played,” Coach Matta said in the post game press conference.

He’s been unable to keep much down the past few days, but that didn’t keep him from stepping up when his teammates needed him. He struggled in the first half, but got on track in the second and totaled 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Carrying the Buckeyes in the first half was William Buford who finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds, in what was one of his best games on the season.

Buford wasn’t the only Buckeye having a good game however; Jon Diebler hit several clutch shots helping to seal the Buckeye win. His 12 points on the day all came from behind the arc.

David Lighty put up another solid performance with 13 points and nine rebounds. It was his rebounding in the post that helped the Buckeyes the most when Lauderdale got into foul trouble in the second half.

This is not only a huge road win for Ohio State, but maybe its best win on the season. The win at Purdue is also very impressive, and both add to Ohio State’s tournament resume.

This win makes the Big Ten standings even murkier than before. Purdue currently holds a half game lead over both Ohio State and Michigan State. The Boilermakers and Spartans meet in West Lafayette next Sunday in another marquee showdown for the conference. The Buckeyes have the easiest remaining schedule of the three, with games against Penn State (10-16), Illinois (17-10), and Michigan (13-13).