A surging Michigan State club somehow prevailed in a tight Big Ten showdown Thursday night on its home floor, sending the Buckeyes back to Columbus with consecutive losses for the first time this season. SECOND-HALF STORYLINES: *Ohio State controlled the initial stretch after intermission, moving the lead to 49-40 and forcing Tim Izzo to burn a timeout. The game, at that point, actually felt more lopsided than it was on the scoreboard. *The Spartans went on a 15-6 run to draw even, 55-55, by the 6:43 mark. E.J. Liddell scored six-straight points for Ohio State, but the hosts eventually took their first lead of the game (64-63) on two free throws from Malik Hall with 2:32 remaining. MSU never trailed again. *Ohio State missed all six remaining shots from the field moving forward, five of those from Duane Washington. He had a chance to tie the game in the closing…
Continue Reading: Resilient Michigan State Gives Ohio State a Second-Straight Loss
