Joe Robbins/Getty ImagesMichigan State needs something from everyone, obviously, but this show covers the key factors versus Ohio State. Michigan State is a win behind Ohio State (and Maryland) for second place in the Big Ten. On Saturday, the Spartans (16-8, 7-4) host the No. 23-ranked Buckeyes (19-6, 8-4) at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, getting a chance to take care of two tasks at once. First, they can gain ground in the conference, and second, they can beat a team that stands in the way. Every win counts for the Spartans, who probably need to win at least 20 games and/or do some major damage in the conference tournament in order to qualify for March Madness. Taking down a ranked opponent before heading to Ann Arbor on Feb. 17 to face Michigan would certainly provide a boost of momentum, not to mention in overall confidence. Before diving into the show, here is a little something to whet the appetite: Head coach Tom Izzo is 2-3 during the past five meetings with the Buckeyes. He split in 2013-14 with a 72-68 overtime win at home and 69-67 loss in Columbus; in 2012-13, he won 59-56 at home, lost 68-60 at Ohio State and lost 61-58 in the Big Ten tournament. Mel Evans/Associated PressD’Angelo Russell is simply incredible. D’Angelo Russell doesn’t get “stopped”; he might end up being limited or slightly off his game, but he’s never completely out of the equation. …
Continue Reading: Michigan State Basketball: Keys to Beating Ohio State
