EAST LANSING, Mich. — It took longer than expected, but the No. 4 Michigan State Spartans defeated the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes 72-68 in overtime at the Breslin Center.
Michigan State led by 17 with eight minutes left in the second half. Ohio State would finish the half on a 20-3 run to force the extra frame.
The Spartans were led by Keith Appling who had 20 points, including a three-pointer that put Michigan State up for good with 27.5 seconds left in overtime 69-66. Appling also had seven assists and six rebounds. Adreian Payne added 18 points off the bench. Payne was battling a right foot sprain that kept him from starting.
Ohio State was led Sam Thompson who scored 18 points off the bench. LaQuinton Ross was held to just five points on 1-of-7 shooting.
Michigan State improves to 14-1 (3-0 in Big Ten) while Ohio State suffered its first loss of the season and is 15-1 (2-1 in Big Ten).
