OSU-Michigan State preview
Tuesday, January 6, 2009 3:00 AM
By Bob Baptist
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
OHIO STATE VS. MICHIGAN STATE
7 tonight
? Where: Breslin Center, East Lansing, Mich.
? TV: ESPN2
? Radio: WBNS-AM (1460), WBNS-FM (97.1)
? Records: Ohio State 10-2 overall, 1-1 Big Ten; Michigan State 11-2, 2-0
? Matchup to watch: Michigan State has the depth and tenacity to wear down Ohio State, as Minnesota did, and make it difficult for the Buckeyes to run their offense, much less score. Look for the Spartans to pressure Jeremie Simmons and P.J. Hill, and for Evan Turner, as he did at Minnesota, to perhaps have to share the responsibility of advancing the ball across half-court.
? Notable: Ohio State has won two of its past three games in the Breslin Center but overall is 3-13 there. Michigan State rebounded more than half its missed shots in wins at Minnesota and Northwestern to start the Big Ten schedule. For the first time in history, the Spartans started conference play with two road wins. Michigan State has outscored seven opponents by nearly 19 points per game since a 35-point loss to North Carolina in Detroit on Dec. 3.
? Next: Houston Baptist, 7 p.m. Friday, Value City Arena