Always tough when my two alma maters play each other.
I guess since I tend to lean MSU for basketball, hoping the Spartans continue their 6 -game winning hotstreak tonight at ValueCity Arena, but they have to find more scoring ASAP. Only thing keeping them in games is their defense, which up until now has been to only give up one shot per defensive possession. Michigan State currently ranks No. 1 in the country in fast-break points per game and percentage of points coming on the fast break. The Spartans are typically effective in transition, but they've taken it another level. According to CBB Analytics, they're averaging 20.2 points per game on fast breaks -- and given the Spartans aren't a team that forces a ton of turnovers, it's their dominance on the defensive glass that provides a jump start to their transition game.
Buckeyes are tough at home, but have been up and down all season. Thorton has been consistent though, averaging around 17/game.
Should be another good game between these two.
In reality, historically, this is the kind of game MSU loses. I think they come out looking ok offensively but can’t knock down enough open shots, can’t get stops on the other end, and suspect OSU will get the benefit of a couple questionable whistles.
OSU 68 - MSU 64