MSU defeats OSU, ties for Big Ten lead

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Adreian Payne scored 15 points, Draymond Green had 12 and defense-minded No. 11 Michigan State beat No. 3 Ohio State 58-48 Saturday night, ending the Buckeyes’ 39-game home winning streak.

The Spartans (20-5 overall, 9-3 Big Ten) pulled into a tie with the Buckeyes (21-4, 9-3) for first place in the Big Ten.

Keith Appling had 14 points for Michigan State, which rode its smothering pressure to a 10-point halftime lead and never relented down the stretch. Payne finished 6 for 6 from the field and 3 for 4 on free throws.

Jared Sullinger had 17 points and 16 rebounds for Ohio State, but was 5 for 15 from the field. Aaron Craft added 15 points, but Deshaun Thomas and William Buford, averaging a combined 30 points, totaled just 12.

The Spartans held the Buckeyes almost 30 points under their average of 76.9 points a game. Ohio State shot just 26 percent from the field (14 for 53).

Ahead 35-25 at the half, the Spartans weathered an early Ohio State assault.

A quick field goal by Thomas and two Sullinger free throws pulled the Buckeyes within six, but it was also apparent that Sullinger, in particular, was growing frustrated by the defensive focus from the Spartans. He yelled after being fouled by Payne at the 18:27 mark, with Green then knocking the ball out of his hands.

Later, Sullinger and Green ended up on the floor after tangling on a rebound.

But that was the last skirmish between the two frontrunners for Big Ten player of the year.

Sullinger had 10 turnovers – Ohio State totaled 15.

Penn State 67, Nebraska 51: At State College, Pa.,Tim Frazier scored 23 points and pulled down 10 rebounds as Penn State snapped a five-game losing streak and defeated Nebraska. The junior recorded his fifth double-double of the season and was one assist shy of a triple-double.

Penn State senior Cammeron Woodyard chipped in with 14 points and tied a career-high with four 3-pointers to help the Nittany Lions (11-15, 3-10 Big Ten) secure their first win since January 19. Jermaine Marshall also chipped in with 12 points.