COLUMBUS, Ohio — Szymon Zapala delivered a standout performance with a season-high 15 points, leading No. 18 Michigan State to a narrow 69-62 victory over Ohio State on Friday night. This win marked Michigan State’s third consecutive victory as they commenced their Big Ten season.
Zapala was instrumental in a decisive 12-0 surge, allowing the Spartans (12-2, 3-0) to establish a commanding 14-point advantage. The Buckeyes, however, mounted a comeback fueled by John Mobley Jr.’s three-pointer, followed by a jumper from Bruce Thornton, which put Ohio State (9-5, 1-2) ahead 50-49 with just over eight minutes remaining.
Subsequently, Ohio State struggled with turnovers, losing possession on three consecutive trips down the court. After Thornton experienced his second turnover within a minute, Xavier Booker capitalized by driving down the court and converting a three-point play. Tre Holloman then nailed a three-pointer, and Booker completed the play with a dunk, extending Michigan State’s lead to 57-50. Although Micah Parrish made two three-pointers and Mobley contributed another, the Spartans secured the win by making 8 of 10 free throws down the stretch.
In addition to Zapala’s contributions, Jaden Akins scored 14 points, going 5 for 6 at the free-throw line, with three of those coming in the final minute. Coen Carr added 11 points and shot 7 for 8 from the line, while Jaxon Kohler collected 10 rebounds. For Ohio State, Parrish was the scoring leader with 13 points, aided by Thornton’s contribution of 10 points.
Overall, Michigan State effectively attacked the basket, managing to score 56 of their 69 points either in the paint or through free-throw attempts. In contrast, Ohio State struggled offensively, shooting only 36.7% from the field, connecting on 22 of 60 attempts, including just 7 of 27 from beyond the arc.
A pivotal moment in the game occurred when Booker converted a turnover by Thornton into a three-point play, swinging momentum back in favor of Michigan State after Ohio State briefly seized the lead.
Looking ahead, Michigan State is set to host Washington on Thursday, while Ohio State will travel to face Minnesota on Monday.
