Spartans Regain Defensive Edge Just in Time for OSU Clash
In this story:
The Michigan State Spartans are coming off a much-needed home victory over the UCLA Bruins after losing three of their previous four games.
Against UCLA, the Spartans rediscovered their defensive identity. They held the Bruins to just 23 first-half points on 9-of-23 shooting. For the game, Michigan State limited UCLA to 59 points on 21-of-57 (36.8%) shooting from the field and 8-of-25 (32%) from three-point range.
Jeremy Fears Jr. led the way offensively with one of his most complete performances of the season. Fears scored 16 points, shooting 5-of-11 from the field and 4-of-8 from three-point range, while dishing out 10 assists. The outing marked his ninth double-double of the season and his fourth consecutive double-double.
Coen Carr matched Fears with 16 points on 7-of-11 shooting, including 2-of-4 from beyond the arc. Carson Cooper and Jordan Scott also reached double figures with 12 and 11 points, respectively, while Jaxon Kohler added nine points and 10 rebounds.
The win came at a critical time. Michigan State is entering the final stretch of the regular season with an opportunity to secure a top-four seed — and a double bye — in the Big Ten Tournament.
Next up: a home matchup against the Ohio State Buckeyes, who are coming off an impressive win over the surging Wisconsin Badgers.
Scouting Ohio State
Ohio State is in its second season under head coach Jake Diebler and has taken a noticeable step forward. After finishing 17-15 in his first year, the Buckeyes sit at 17-9 and are pushing for their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2022.
Senior point guard Bruce Thornton continues to anchor the offense. Thornton is averaging 19.9 points per game on 54.6% shooting from the field and 39.5% from three-point range, along with nearly four assists per contest.
In Ohio State’s crucial win over Wisconsin, Thornton and junior Devin Royal carried the load. Thornton scored 27 points and narrowly missed a triple-double with nine rebounds and eight assists, while Royal added 25 points. Both players shot better than 50% from the field and from three-point range.
Offensively, Ohio State ranks among the top five teams in the Big Ten in scoring at 81 points per game. The Buckeyes also rank in the conference’s top five in field-goal percentage, shooting 49% from the field.
However, Michigan State may hold an edge defensively. Ohio State ranks in the bottom half of the conference in scoring defense, allowing 73 points per game on 43% shooting. The Buckeyes also rank in the bottom three in the Big Ten in both blocks (2.0 per game) and steals (5.0 per game).
Michigan State’s defensive resurgence against UCLA could not have come at a better time. With Ohio State bringing one of the Big Ten’s most efficient offenses into East Lansing, the Spartans will need another disciplined defensive effort to control the pace.
Keep up with all our content when you follow the official Spartan Nation page on Facebook, Spartan Nation, WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE, and be sure to share your thoughts on Michigan State's upcoming game against Ohio State when you join our community group, Go Green Go White, WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE. Don't forget to give us a follow on X @MSUSpartansOnSI as well.
Never again miss one major story related to your beloved Spartans when you sign up for our 100% FREE newsletter that comes straight to your email with the latest news. SIGN UP HERE NOW
Luke Joseph is a graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in journalism. Drawing on his extensive knowledge of sports and commitment to storytelling, he serves as a general sports reporter On SI, covering the NFL and college athletics with insight and expertise.