Ohio State faced a challenging matchup against No. 15 Michigan State on March 3, 2024, ultimately losing 66-60 despite a standout performance from Bruce Thornton, who scored 32 points. The Buckeyes struggled significantly in the absence of key players John Mobley Jr., Devin Royal, and Brandon Noel, all sidelined due to injury or illness. Their absence proved detrimental as Ohio State sought to overcome a formidable opponent on the road.
The game began with both teams struggling to find their rhythm, combining for just six points in the first four minutes. Michigan State managed to take a slight lead at 9-6 following a three-pointer from guard Kur Teng. Thornton quickly responded, scoring six of Ohio State’s first eight points. He continued to dominate the scoring, contributing 10 of the Buckeyes’ first 14 points, including a three-pointer that capped an 8-0 run, giving Ohio State a 14-9 advantage.
Ohio State’s defense played a crucial role during the first half, stifling Michigan State’s offense and forcing them into a shooting slump. The Spartans struggled to score, going over five minutes without points. Layups from centers Ivan Njegovan and Christoph Tilly further extended Ohio State’s lead to 18-12. Thornton’s ability to create scoring opportunities kept the Buckeyes ahead, as he netted two more floaters, contributing 16 of the team’s first-half points. However, a late surge by the Spartans narrowed the gap to just three points at halftime, with Ohio State’s defense holding Michigan State to 29.6 percent shooting.
As the second half began, Thornton quickly hit an elbow jumper, pushing Ohio State’s lead to five. Yet, Michigan State responded with an 8-0 run, taking the lead for the first time since the first half. Jeremy Fears Jr., who had a quieter scoring night with 11 points, facilitated the offense effectively, dishing out eight assists. The Spartans built a small cushion, but Thornton remained relentless, hitting another three-pointer to tie the game.
Despite Ohio State’s efforts, Michigan State regained control of the game, launching a 6-0 run that pushed their advantage to double digits at 61-51 with just under three minutes remaining. The Buckeyes, however, displayed resilience. Thornton scored again to reduce the deficit, and a fast break layup from Tilly brought Ohio State within three points at 63-60 with only 14 seconds on the clock. Unfortunately for the Buckeyes, time was not on their side. A free throw from Michigan State’s Jordan Scott sealed the 66-60 victory for the Spartans.
Following this loss, Ohio State’s record against Michigan State now stands at 61-77 all-time. Thornton’s 32-point performance saw him become the second all-time leading scorer in Ohio State history, surpassing Herb Williams with a career total of 2,037 points. He is now just 60 points shy of breaking Dennis Hopson‘s record for the most points in school history.
The Buckeyes will look to bounce back in their next matchup against the Iowa Hawkeyes, another critical game in the Big Ten Conference, scheduled for March 6, 2024, at 21:00 local time. As Ohio State aims to end a streak of alternating wins and losses, the team faces an uphill battle in the quest for NCAA Tournament viability.
