Ohio State Basketball: 10 Lessons Learned in Win over Michigan State

With less than 18 minutes remaining in Sunday’s game against Michigan State, it looked like the “Ohio State struggles against ranked teams” narrative was about to pick up more corroborating evidence.

The Spartans led by nine, Deshaun Thomas was ice cold and the home crowd had been silenced. And that’s when Aaron Craft decided to kick it into fifth gear.

The Buckeyes point guard willed his team to a 68-60 victory with what may have been the best half of basketball he has played in his career. It was something of poetic justice because Craft, much like the entire Ohio State squad, had fallen short of lofty expectations (offensively) and was looking for a measure of redemption on a big stage.

Here are 10 lessons to take away from the win over Michigan State.

Aaron Craft Is Ohio State’s Heart and Soul

Deshaun Thomas may be the most prolific scorer in the Big Ten, but there is little doubt who the heart and soul of this Ohio State basketball team is after Sunday’s win over Michigan State.

The Buckeyes had their backs planted firmly against the wall and were staring straight at a 1-8 record against ranked opponents (at the time of the game) early in the second half when Aaron Craft tapped into his offensive potential that Ohio State fans have been waiting to see.

In addition to his typical tenacious defense, Craft was a force to be reckoned with the ball in his hands, especially driving the lane. He scored or assisted on almost every one of the Buckeyes’ key second-half baskets down the stretch.