Ohio State falters late against Michigan State

Spartans seal win against Buckeyes on 20-2 run

Associated Press

EAST LANSING, MICH.

Tom Izzo wants his team to be able to win in a variety of ways. On Sunday, the Michigan State coach lost his standout big man to an injury — and the Spartans still rolled.

“Defense not only travels — sometimes it works at home too,” Izzo said.

Kenny Goins had 10 points and 10 rebounds, and No. 11 Michigan State finished the game with a 20-2 run, beating Ohio State 62-44. Matt McQuaid scored 14 points for the Spartans. Michigan State won despite an injury to Nick Ward, who hardly played in the second half and appeared to have a wrap on one of his hands.

“He might’ve dislocated a finger or something here,” Izzo said. “I won’t know until they go through all the medical procedures what that is, but it was a problem for us the second half.”

Michigan State (21-5, 12-3) pulled into a first-place tie with rival Michigan atop the Big Ten, holding Ohio State to 13 points in the second half. The Buckeyes (16-9, 6-8) led by six at the break but shot 4 of 21 from the field the rest of the way.

It was tied at 42 when Michigan State’s Kyle Ahrens sank a 3-pointer that started a 10-0 run.

Kaleb Wesson scored 12 points for Ohio State, but he failed to take advantage of Ward’s absence.