Buckeyes Bounce Back Against Spartans

Buford played a key part in the win

Coming off an upset loss at the hands of Wisconsin, Buckeye fans weren't sure what to expect. Would they see a hangover from the loss at the Kohl Center, or a Purdue smash-down? The players, actually, just acted like the loss never happened, struggling their way to a 71-61 victory over the Spartans. Jon Diebler and David Lighty each had 12 points. Craft, a freshman substitute point guard, had seven points, four assists, four steals and three rebounds -- and a hustle play that was the talk of both head coaches.


Kalin Lucas led the Spartans (14-11, 6-7) with 14 points, while Adreian Payne and Draymond Green each had 10. They've lost six of their last eight but fought hard throughout. Izzo continued to tell the media that the Spartans aren't out for the count. I would say they are awfully close at this point, though, and need to get moving if they want to earn a good spot in the NCAA tournament.


Near the end, Ohio State fans taunted the Spartans, who have made it to the Final Four in six of the last 12 seasons, with a cheer of "N-I-T! N-I-T!". Can't say I encourage it, coming off a loss and being spit on by Badger fans.

The Buckeyes were 23 of 29 at the free-throw line to the Spartans' 5 of 6, another aspect of the game that rankled Izzo.

My thoughts:


-  William Buford (23 points) led four Buckeyes in double figures. This team just meshes really well.


- Ohio State's Jon Diebler (12 points) hit two of three 3-pointers to give him 331 for his career, tying him with Shawn Respert (MSU) for the second most in Big Ten history -- one behind leader Pete Lisicky (PSU).


- Ohio State has won 19 straight home games and has beaten Michigan State five straight times as a ranked team. Pretty impressive for as good as the Spartans have been. 


- Michigan State went to the free throw line just six times compared to 29 for Ohio State.