The Ohio State men’s basketball team ended 2024 on a three-game winning streak to improve to 9-4. They will open 2025 by hosting 18th ranked Michigan State. Tipoff is slated for 8:00 pm ET live from Value City Arena with coverage on FOX.

Michigan State Spartans:

The Spartans are 11-2 and sit atop of the Big Ten Standings. They enter on a six game winning streak, having lost to only Memphis and Kansas.

Projected Starters:

Jaden Akins- G, #3

Tre Holloman- G, #5

Jeremy Fears Jr.- G, #1

Jaxon Kohler- F, #0

Szymon Zapala- C, #10

The Spartans are led in scoring by Jaden Akins who provides 13.7 points per game. He is the only scorer averaging double figures, highlighting Michigan State’s balanced scoring. This balance is what has made the Spartans so dangerous, with nobody having to play hero ball. Holloman and Fears Jr. lead the way in ball distribution with 4 and 5.9 assists per game respectively. Kohler leads the glass clearing duties with 8.4 rebounds per game.

Ultimately, the Spartans have shown themselves to be a top 20 team in defensive efficiency, rebounding and free throw shooting. These are typically great indicators of a team’s success, which the Spartan record reflects. They will certainly be facing one of their bigger challenges yet, as any road game in the Big Ten is a battle, especially against a team as hot and confident as the Buckeyes.

Ohio State Buckeyes:

The 9-4 Buckeyes will look to keep the momentum rolling into 2025. Under former head coach Chris Holtmann, January and February have been notoriously ugly months for the Buckeyes. Jake Diebler and company will look to change that trend.

Projected Starters:

Devin Royal – F, #21

Sean Stewart – F, #13

Evan Mahaffey – F, #12

Bruce Thornton – G, #2

John Mobley Jr. – G, #0

The status of two Buckeye players remains in question:

Micah Parrish, who missed Sunday’s game with an ankle injury and Meechie Johnson who remains away from the team for personal reasons.

As Johnson remains away from the team, the roles of John Mobley Jr. and Ques Glover have not only increased in volume, but importance. The absence has allowed Mobley to slide into a starting role, where he has continued to impress. The freshman is averaging 12.2 points per game, on 43.6% from the field and 47.8% from three-point range. Glover has provided 24 points off the bench in two games (including 15 against Indiana State), since returning from an injury which left him out since November 15th.

Aaron Bradshaw’s return to the team has also been much needed and valuable. He has also provided 24 points off the bench, since his return to team activities. His presence is felt on both ends, adding a defensive presence and stretch five on offense.

Bruce Thornton has continued to prove why is he regarded as one of the best in that nation. He has provided 30+ points in back to back games and increased his scoring average to 17.4 points. He is also dishing out 4.9 assists and shooting 49% from long distance. Devin Royal has also continued to shine in 2nd season as a Buckeye. He provides 14.8 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. Despite being a slightly undersized forward at just 6’6”, he has shown the ability to take it to anybody on the block. His high energy and intensity at all times has been uplifting for the whole roster.

The Buckeye have the pieces to be dangerous in the Big Ten, it all comes down to execution.

Prediction:

Ohio State is a two point favorite, essentially signaling a toss up with a slight edge to the home team. This matchup is Big Ten basketball at its finest, two blue bloods with a lot to prove. This game will be decided by who can get going first and the rebounding battle. I expect the Buckeyes to keep the momentum rolling and start confidently against the Spartans. However, if one of their sloppy first halves, such as against Texas A&M or Auburn arises, things might get shaky. Ultimately, I still like the Buckeyes to earn a gritty win.

Score Prediction: Ohio State 82, Michigan State 80

Featured image: USA TODAY Sports