Illinois upsets the Buckeyes behind Jenna Smith’s 20 points

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Jenna Smith had a game-high 20 points and 10 rebounds to lead Illinois to a 68-64 upset win over No. 19 Ohio State on Thursday night.

Illinois (12-9, 4-6) went ahead for good 57-54 on a 3-pointer by Lori Bjork with 5:55 left. Ohio State (16-5, 7-3) pulled to 66-64 on Marscilla Packer’s 3-pointer with 27 seconds left, but Bjork added two free throws with 12 seconds left to seal the victory.

Bjork finished with 16 points, including three 3-pointers. Rebecca Harris added 14 points and Chelsea Gordon scored 10 points for the Illini, who lost to the Buckeyes in Columbus 43-42 on Jan. 17.

Illinois, which led 35-34 at halftime, was 14-for-20 from the free throw line, compared with 5-for-6 for Ohio State.

Jantel Lavender scored 19 points and Packer added 17 points, including four 3-pointers, for Ohio State.

Michigan St. 61, Michigan 58

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Allyssa DeHaan and her Michigan State teammates hadn’t been swept by Michigan in eight years and weren’t going to let that happen on Thursday.

With 15 points, including six in a 15-6 closing surge, DeHaan did just enough to give the Spartans a 61-58 win and prevent a perceived shift in power.

“I was devastated by the first loss,” DeHaan said of a 64-55 road setback on Jan. 13. “We were all devastated. We hadn’t lost to them in the last few years, so you take that personally.”

The 6-foot-9 DeHaan had consecutive baskets to tie the game at 53, blocked a shot, then snapped a tie at 55 with two free throws for Michigan State (13-10, 5-6 Big Ten), which finally played with the passion most people expected.

“A lot of people make a big deal about the rivalry,” first-year Spartans coach Suzy Merchant said. “And it is a big deal. I’m sure there will be some great battles ahead.”

The Wolverines (12-8, 5-5) were in position to win for just the 16th time in 66 series matchups but lost their poise and squandered a 53-45 lead.