Zapala scores season-high 15 points as No. 18 Michigan State holds off Ohio State 69-62

COLUMBUS, OH (AP) Columbus, OH No. 18 Michigan State defeated Ohio State 69-62 on Friday night for its third consecutive victory to begin Big Ten play, led by a season-high 15 points from Szymon Zapala and 8 of 10 free throws.

The Spartans led by 14 points (12-2, 3-0) thanks to a 12-0 run led by Zapala. But with 8:47 remaining, the Buckeyes came back with a 3 from John Mobley Jr. and a jumper from Bruce Thornton, putting them ahead 50-49.

COLUMBUS, OHIO – JANUARY 03: On January 3, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio, Xavier Booker #34 of the Michigan State Spartans dunks the ball during the second half of their game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Value City Arena. Ohio State lost against Michigan State.

After that, Ohio State (9-5, 1-2) blew three consecutive possessions. Xavier Booker drove the length of the court for a three-point shot following Thornton’s second turnover in less than a minute. With a 3-pointer from Tre Holloman and a slam from Booker, Michigan State took a 57-50 lead. The Spartans ended up making 8 of 10 3-pointers, despite two 3-pointers by Micah Parrish and a third from Mobley.

Jaden Akins finished with 14 points for Michigan State after going 5 for 6 from the free-throw line, including 3 of 4 in the last minute. Coen Carr contributed 11 points and went 7 for 8 at the line. Ten rebounds were pulled by Jaxon Kohler.

Parrish led Ohio State in scoring with 13 points, including 3 of 6 3-pointers. Thornton scored ten points in the end.

Takeaways

Michigan State could routinely attack the rim.

At home, Ohio State made 22 of 60 field goals, including 7 of 27 three-pointers, for a 36.7% shooting percentage.

Key moment

Following a 7-0 run by Ohio State that left them ahead 50-49, Booker converted a Thornton turnover into a three-pointer to put the Spartans ahead once more.

Key stat

Of Michigan State’s 69 points, 56 came from the free-throw line or the paint.

Up next

Ohio State plays at Minnesota on Monday, while Michigan State hosts Washington on Thursday.

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