Just like they did in football, the Michigan State Spartans handed the previously undefeated Ohio State Buckeyes their first loss of the season.

 

For some reason, many felt it seemed like a major upset, but the Spartans were ranked No 4, only one spot behind the Buckeyes. 

 

It was Michigan State’s game to lose, and it nearly happened that way. With a little over seven minutes left in regulation, Sparty had a 17-point cushion. But then Ohio State showed how good it really is and went on a 20-3 run to tie the game and send Tuesday's tilt into overtime. Looking back, it looked as if the Spartans simply lost their focus. During that stretch, Michigan State turned the ball over nine times. 

 

Overtime was like a new game -- exclusive of foul counts, fatigue, etc -- with neither team putting forth a run or breaking away. The dagger came when Spartans point guard Keith Appling hit a three with 27.5 seconds left to put Michigan State up by three. And that was the beginning of the end for Ohio State. 

 

The buildup for this game was epic. And it was as good as anticipated. What we got most from the game is that winning on the road in the Big Ten is going to be a challenge. We all knew that it was very likely that Ohio State would lose a game sooner or later, and I for one respect the way it did, as the team went out valiantly on its collective shield.

 

The Buckeyes mounted a hellacious comeback, with both teams leaving everything on the floor. I think that the comeback showed more about Ohio State than the win did for Michigan State. They're tough, they won’t back down, and they're talented, all attributes that make us realize March Madness can't come fast enough