Well, why not keep on going? The Ohio State basketball team is a far different team than it was just a few weeks ago and has the No. 4 Michigan State team on the ropes in the Big Ten Tournament up 33-24 at halftime in Chicago.
To make things even more surprising and unexpected, Ohio State is doing it without leading scorer, freshman sensation, Brice Sensabaugh who was held out of the game as he’s evaluated for “knee soreness.”
And while there have been some good moments on the offensive end, the Buckeyes are winning this game because of their ability to dictate the pace, get back on defense, and play solid half-court defense. Michigan State is shooting just 31.0% from the field and has made just 1-of-9 three-point attempts.
Meanwhile, Ohio State has shot the ball well, making 14-of-27 (51.9%) shots from the field, including 5-of-9 from deep. Justice Sueing and Bruce Thorton lead the Buckeyes in scoring with 8 points each. OSU has just three turnovers and nine assists in the game.
Bucks on 🔝 at the half‼️#Team124 | #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/8EAX0pRr2B
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) March 10, 2023
All of that is fine and good, but you can expect Michigan State to push the pace and make a run in the second half. Ohio State will need to continue to limit possessions and play solid, team-defense to pull this one out.
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