Michigan State at Ohio State Breakdown & Prediction

No. 22 Michigan State at Ohio State

Time: 4:30PM ET

Venue: Value City Arena

TV: CBS

Records: Michigan State 23-7, 12-5 Big Ten; Ohio State 22-8, 9-8

Michigan State stat leaders: Points – Garry Harris (17.7 ppg); Rebounds – Branden Dawson (8.6 rpg); Assists – Keith Appling (4.7 apg); Steals – Harris (2.0 spg).

Ohio State stat leaders: Points – LaQuinton Ross (14.6 ppg); Rebounds – Amir Williams (5.8 rpg); Assists – Aaron Craft (4.5 apg); Steals – Craft (2.5 spg).

Current Streaks: Michigan State W1, Ohio State L2

Point Spread: Ohio State -2.5

Prediction: I am very surprised to see Ohio State as a 2.5-point favorite here. I know Michigan State hasn’t been exactly rolling, but neither has Ohio State. The Buckeyes have two straight losses to Indiana and Penn State and their issues from earlier in the season are still big problems right now. The Buckeyes lack scorers, and that is a big problem against a team like Michigan State. Ohio State defended MSU well in the Breslin, but Gary Harris played very timid. I don’t think that will be the case today. Ohio State will be in the game and keep it close because of their defense, but ultimately the talent will win out, and Michigan State has a lot more of that. Michigan State 70, Ohio State 63

Ohio State at Michigan State Breakdown & Prediction

No. 3 Ohio State at No. 5 Michigan State

Time: 9PM ET

Venue: Breslin Center

TV: ESPN

Records: Ohio State 15-0, 2-0 Big Ten; Michigan State 13-1, 2-0 Big Ten

Ohio State stat leaders: Points – LaQuinton Ross (13.6 ppg); Rebounds – Amir Williams (6.5 rpg); Assists – Aaron Craft (4.9 apg); Steals – Craft (2.5 spg).

Michigan State stat leaders: Points – Garry Harris (18.2 ppg); Rebounds – Branden Dawson (9.0 rpg); Assists – Keith Appling (4.6 apg); Steals – Harris (1.6 spg).

Current Streaks: Ohio State W15, Michigan State W6

Point Spread: Michigan State -5.5

Prediction: This should be a heck of a basketball game. Ohio State brings in a strong defense that hasn’t allowed 70 points in a game this season. Aaron Craft and Shannon Scott are very tough defenders that could pose problems for MSU’s guards. The question is whether or not the Buckeyes can win the battle in the paint. Amir Williams has some size and can block shots, but is averaging just 6.5 rebounds per game. Ohio State must have a strong defensive showing to win, while MSU can win ugly or win in a shootout. With this game being at home, I think the Spartans find enough fire power to pull out the victory thanks to their variety of offensive options. Michigan State 71, Ohio State 64