MSU Holds Off OSU In Columbus 86-77

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — MSU road win at Columbus a character builder in tough Big Ten.

Cassius Winston scored 25 points, Nick Ward added 21 and No. 8 Michigan State extended its unbeaten streak to eight games with an 86-77 victory over No. 14 Ohio State on Saturday.

 

The second half was tied six times before the Spartans took the lead on a Ward foul shot, and a layup by Kenny Goins put them up by three with 3:28 left.

A Kyle Ahrens put-back at the 2:35 mark, a turnover by Ohio State's Keyshawn Woods and a pair of Aaron Henry foul shots all but sealed it for Michigan State. Ohio State got to within six points twice in the last minute but couldn't get closer.

Kaleb Wesson scored 25 points despite being in second-half foul trouble, and Luther Muhammed had 12 for the Buckeyes (12-2, 2-1 Big Ten), who saw a six-game winning streak snapped.

Michigan State (13-2, 4-0) hasn't lost since Nov. 27.

Ohio State led 43-36 at halftime, boosted by a late 3-pointer from Duane Washington Jr. and another from Kaleb Wesson with 13 seconds left in the half.

Michigan State: Despite missing injured junior guard Joshua Langford, the Spartans bore down late in the second half and won their first of the new year after going 6-0 in December.

Ohio State: Matched Michigan State every step of the way until its shooting went cold and it faltered late. Kaleb Wesson continues to be the featured player on a fairly talented team, but the Buckeyes need a clone of him to help out.

Michigan State: Hosts Purdue on Tuesday.

Ohio State: At Rutgers on Tuesday.