The Ohio State Buckeyes faced a challenging matchup against the No. 15 Michigan State Spartans, ultimately losing 66-60 on February 25, 2024. Despite a remarkable performance by Bruce Thornton, who scored 32 points, the absence of key players John Mobley Jr. and Devin Royal due to injury severely hindered the Buckeyes’ chances.
Ohio State entered the game with significant adversity, as three of their top players were sidelined. In the early minutes, both teams struggled offensively, combining for just six points in the first four minutes. The Buckeyes initially took the lead, with Thornton scoring eight of Ohio State’s first 14 points. His contributions, including a crucial three-pointer, helped establish a 14-9 advantage.
The Buckeyes’ defense played a pivotal role in the first half, holding Michigan State to just 29.6% shooting. Ohio State maintained its edge, with Thornton delivering a series of impressive floaters and layups. By halftime, he had accounted for 16 of the team’s 26 points, ensuring the Buckeyes led 26-23 at the break.
As the second half commenced, Thornton continued to push forward, hitting an elbow jumper to extend the lead to five. However, Michigan State responded with an 8-0 run, regaining the lead thanks to a dunk from Cameron Ward. The game remained closely contested, with both teams exchanging baskets before the Spartans pulled ahead with a 6-0 run that widened the gap to double digits.
Despite the scoreboard, the Buckeyes refused to give in. With just over a minute remaining, Thornton’s layup narrowed the deficit to 63-60. But the Spartans held firm, closing out the game with free throws, sealing Ohio State’s fate.
The defeat marks a continued struggle for the Buckeyes, who now seek to break a pattern of alternating wins and losses as they prepare for their next game against Iowa on February 28, 2024. Tip-off is scheduled for 21:00 local time on the Big Ten Network.
In a notable personal achievement, Bruce Thornton moved into second place on Ohio State’s all-time scoring list, surpassing Herb Williams with a total of 2,037 points. He is now just 60 points away from breaking Dennis Hopson’s record. Additionally, with 512 career assists, Thornton is close to entering the top five in assists in the program’s history.
Overall, Ohio State’s historical record against Michigan State now stands at 61-77. As they regroup from this loss, the Buckeyes aim to build momentum toward potential NCAA tournament aspirations.
