Ohio State Men's Basketball: Buckeyes Bounce Back

2-15-11     vs. Michigan State     W, 71-61     25-1

     The struggling Michigan State Spartans proved to be the perfect remedy for an Ohio State team coming off its 1st loss of the season.

     The Spartans, a pre-season Final Four favorite, refused to yield without a fight, but, in the end, the Buckeyes' decided talent advantage won out.

     William Buford's 23-point barrage led all scorers, and it was the junior guard's uncanny scoring ability that sparked Ohio State to a key, 10-2 run early in the 2nd half.

Buford scored 23 to lead OSU

     Buford was forced to step up because of Jared Sullinger's foul difficulties.  Sullinger picked up 2 quick fouls in the 1st half and was never able to establish a rhythm on either end of the floor.  He finished the night with 11 points and only 2 rebounds.

     Even though Sullinger had one of his poorest collegiate games, his fellow freshman, Aaron Craft, did not.  The heady point guard recorded his usual stat line: 7 points, 4 assists, 4 steals, and 3 rebounds, and he also produced a game-changing play at the 5:51 mark of the 2nd half.  With MSU trailing, 58-53, Craft sprinted into the Spartans' backcourt to chase down an errant pass before flipping in a reverse layup while drawing a foul.  Craft completed the stunning 3-point play, taking all the air out of Michigan State's proverbial sails, and the Buckeyes coasted to the victory.     

     Kalin Lucas, the 2009 Big Ten Player of the Year, scored 14 to lead his team in a losing effort.