by David Cassilo / @dcassilo
With just 14 made field goals all day, No. 3 Ohio State saw its 39-game home winning streak end at the hands of No. 11 Michigan State, 58-48.
The stingy defensive effort has been a common occurrence for the Spartans this season. In its last six games, Michigan State has not allowed more than 58 points. While Jared Sullinger got his (17 points. 16 rebounds) for the Buckeyes, the other six players combined for just 31 points.
But this win wasn’t just about defense for Michigan State. Its front line matched Sullinger blow for blow on Saturday. Senior forward Draymond Green had 12 points and 9 rebounds while sophomore center Adreian Payne had a career-high 15 points.
Payne had a little extra motivation for the game.
From MLive.com:
“I don’t know if it’s because he’s from Ohio or him and Jared played together in AAU ball, but Adreian did play,” Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said. “As Day-Day (Draymond Green) said after, that was his best game maybe his whole career if you look at all the things he did and the big shot he hit with his left hand late, and the (three) offensive rebounds.”
The win also pulls Michigan State into a tie for first place in the Big Ten with Ohio State. The two will meet again in the regular season finale on March 4.
