Ohio State’s Lisa Blair, left, and Michigan State’s Branndais Agee fight for a loose ball during the second half.(Photo: Jay LaPrete / Associated Press) Columbus, Ohio — The high scoring of Kelsey Mitchell and Ameryst Alston might not have been enough for No. 9 Ohio State to beat No. 24 Michigan State without the final two plays by less heralded teammates. Asia Doss scored the go-ahead basket for Ohio State (9-3) on a putback with 36 seconds left, and Cait Craft made that stand up when she drew a charge on the next possession for an 85-80 win Thursday over No. 24 Michigan State in their Big Ten opener. Michigan State guard Branndais Agee’s offensive foul gave the ball back to the Buckeyes and Mitchell, who was fouled, made two free throws with 16 seconds left. After Aerial Powers’ 3-point attempt for Michigan State went off the rim and out of bounds with 4 seconds left, Mitchell made two more free throws to put the game away. Mitchell led all scorers with 25 points, going 13 for 13 from the free-throw line but 0 for 10 from the 3-point line. She was especially pleased with the effort of Doss and Craft. “The small things matter,” Mitchell said. “That charge and that putback, I mean buckling down and playing defense, that’s all important.” Alston finished with 23 points and Shayla Cooper had 17 points and 10 rebounds for Ohio State…
Continue Reading: Thursday’s basketball: Ohio State women top MSU
