MSU Big Ten Champs Beating Ohio State, 68-64
INDIANAPOLIS (WWJ/AP) - Michigan State Spartans are the Big Ten tournament champs beating Ohio State 68-64 in the final on Sunday.
Brandon Wood scored a team high 21 points, followed by Draymond Green with 12 pts. and nine rebounds to lead the No. 8 Spartans to the Big Ten win over No. 7 Ohio State.
"It's awesome, it's great. It's the reason I came here. I feel very blessed," said Wood post-game. "It speaks to the hard work we've put in ... when you've got each others' back - good things happen."
"I have to say this was a donnybrook of a game," said Spartan head coach Tom Izzo. "We were a little frustrated at times but we hung in there."
Draymond Green was named the most outstanding player of the tournament. The Spartans (27-7) claimed their first tournament title since 2000 in a dramatic game that featured 16 lead changes.
Jared Sullinger scored 18 points and Deshaun Thomas and William Buford added 11 each for the Buckeyes (27-7), who were denied a third straight title.
The teams shared the regular-season title with Michigan.
Wood transferred to Michigan State after graduating from Valparaiso last year with eligibility remaining. He received a waiver from the NCAA to play immediately because he entered graduate school. He only started because starter Branden Dawson tore a left knee ligament in the regular-season finale against Ohio State.
"We got killed on the boards, Branden Dawson where are you? We need you back," said Izzo.
"It says a lot about this team," added Izzo. "We've got one more season and I'm looking forward to that season.
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