In a game that seemed more like a heavyweight boxing match than high level college hoops, Michigan State dug deep and found what they needed to defeat the Ohio State Buckeyes 68-64, and capture the Big Ten Tournament crown Sunday afternoon at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
With each team claiming victory on their opponent’s home floor earlier in the season, it was only fitting that this contest be played at a neutral site having all the marbles riding on the outcome.
The tone was set early with physical interior play from both squads and after a spirited twenty minutes of play, Michigan State would head to the locker room up just a deuce on the Buckeyes, 34-32. The second half provided more of the same as both teams had offensive spurts that caught their opponents flat footed. However, in the end, there was too much too much moxie displayed by Spartans coach Tom Izzo.
“I am just pleased to be playing on Sunday,” he said after guiding Michigan State to their third Big Ten Tournament Championship. “It was a hard fought game and Ohio State played well.”
Ohio State coach Thad Matta was equally complimentary, and paid tribute to the Spartans resiliency.
“The game came down to big plays,” he said. “I thought the 10 -0 run they had on us was the big key.”
Michigan State would never trail after the 11:59 mark of the second half. Senior guard and Kokomo native, Brandon Wood led the Spartans with 21 points.
Ohio State had five players in double figures, which was led by sophomore Jared Sullinger’s, 18 points and nine rebounds.
Notes:
- Michigan State’s Draymond Green was selected as the Outstanding Player for the tournament after averaging 16 points and 12 rebounds.
- The Spartans received the No. 1 seed in the West Region in the NCAA Men’s Tournament and will open play against No. 16 Long Island University-Brooklyn. Ohio State, which claimed the No. 2 seed in the East Region will face No. 15 Loyola of Maryland.
- The tournament drew a total attendance of over 107,000.
Danny Bridges can be reached at Bridgeshd@aol.com.
Danny Bridges is an award-winning journalist and a longtime sports columnist for the Indianapolis Recorder. He covers college, professional sports and especially all things IndyCar racing. He can be reached at 317-370-8447 or at bridgeshd@aol.com.
