Ohio State was running hot off three straight victories, including one over a top-five Kentucky team, entering Friday. Michigan State decided to pour 38 gallons of water on those flames.
That's the number of points the No. 18 Spartans (12-2, 3-0 Big Ten) scored in the paint against the Buckeyes (9-5, 1-2), establishing interior dominance with 16 second-chance points and five blocked shots in a hard-fought 69-62 victory to open full-time conference play for both teams.
| TEAM | 1 | 2 | FINAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| #18 MICHIGAN STATE | 37 | 32 | 69 |
| OHIO STATE | 29 | 33 | 62 |
Center Szymon Zapala, who only averaged 5.