 Ohio State
13-4, 3-3 Big Ten
Roster | Schedule
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January 25, 2009 3:45 PM ET - CBS —— The Schott Columbus, OH |
 #7 Michigan State
15-3, 5-1 Big Ten
Roster | Schedule
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Yikes! A pissed off Michigan State team is not what the Buckeyes needed after they were pummeled in Illinois on Tuesday.
The Spartans lost 70-63 against Northwestern on Wednesday, ending a 28 game home winning streak. They turned it over 18 times and allowed Kevin Coble to torch them for 31 points.
Ohio State held steady for 37 minutes in the first meeting, but MSU hit 5 of 6 three pointers in less than 3 minutes during a first half run and the Buckeyes never recovered.
It should be the best atmosphere the Schott has seen all year, with the Buckeye faithful hoping to send Tom Izzo home with a third straight lost in Columbus.
| # | Name | PTS | REB | ASST | POS | # | Name | PTS | REB | ASST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Jeremie Simmons | 7.3 | 1.8 | 3.1 | G | 1 | Kalin Lucas | 14.1 | 2.1 | 5.2 |
| 33 | Jon Diebler | 10.5 | 3.4 | 2.6 | G | 5 | Travis Walton | 6.2 | 2.6 | 3.2 |
| 21 | Evan Turner | 15.2 | 7.2 | 3.0 | F | 2 | Raymar Morgan | 14.0 | 6.7 | 1.6 |
| 44 | William Buford | 10.8 | 3.6 | 0.9 | F | 14 | Goran Suton | 10.3 | 7.9 | 1.1 |
| 52 | Dallas Lauderdale | 6.0 | 4.6 | 0.4 | C | 10 | Delvon Roe | 5.2 | 5.2 | 1.1 |
Opponent
The loss Wednesday also ended Michigan State's 11 game winning streak, but they still sit atop the B10 standings, holding a 1 game lead over Purdue and Minnesota. MSU is the highest scoring team in conference play scoring almost 70 points a game, but have just a +6 scoring margin in their 5 wins. It should come as no surprise that Izzo's team has attempted (131) and made (93) more free throws during league play, while also leading in rebounds and 3-PT defense.
Chris Allen and Raymar Morgan will be looking for redemption from Wednesday's loss, as Morgan didn't attempt a FG in 18 minutes due to the flu and Allen missed all 8 of his tries from downtown, while turning it over 7 times. Kalin Lucas leads the conference in scoring at 17.7, going for double digits in every league game, including 20 on Wednesday night.
Goran Suton has started to come on as of late, averaging 13 points and 11 boards in his last three games and now leads the conference in rebounding.
If Walton, Morgan and Roe all start, it will give Tom Izzo three starters from the state of Ohio.
Buckeye Breakdown:
Ohio State simply gave up Tuesday night in Champaign and the loss sparked some rumblings about Thad's coaching moves during the game, so it will be interesting to see if any adjustments will be implemented against a very similar Spartan team.
In the first meeting, William Buford and BJ Mullens lead the Buckeyes in scoring with 17 and 16 respectively, however Diebler, Simmons and Lauderdale combined for just 11 points on 3 of 15 shooting. None of us expect much offense from Lauderdale (although he is shooting 69%), but Diebler and Simmons have to be more consistent if OSU is going to finish strong.
I expect a big game from Evan Turner Sunday. He has struggled in the last two games, shooting a combined 6 for 19 and turning it over 7 times. He has pressed a bit too much of late and with almost 5 days of rest, his legs will be fresh for the showdown against Raymar Morgan.
Ohio State is shooting 46 percent during conference play, which surprisingly leads the B10 and is the reason they have a chance against the Spartans. There is no doubt Thad will have his team ready to battle, but will they make enough stops to pull off the upset? Even though the Schott should finally be rockin' for the nationally showcased game, I don't see OSU winning this one, as Michigan State has the better point guard play and goes home with a 65-59 victory.
Etc
- Ohio State hit 11 of 16 from beyond the arc last home home game against Indiana.
- Buford is ninth in conference scoring and leads in FT percentage.
