Washington, March 4 (BNA): Malaki Branham scored 22 points and closed the 23rd seed on Ohio State, a losing streak, with an 80-69 victory over Michigan State on Thursday night.
Branham scored 15 points in the second half and finished 9 to 16 from the floor, according to the Associated Press.
“We had to have some internal conversations about things we needed to do better,” said Ohio State coach Chris Holtman. “I didn’t really doubt the response of this group this year.”
The Buckeyes (19-9, 12-7 Big Ten) took their first five shots and sped up 13-0 in the first 2:47.
Michigan State advanced (19-11, 10-9) and closed by two points with 8:11 remaining in the first half.
Ohio State closed the opening period with a 16-8 lead to lead 43-33 in the first inning. The Spartans never got close to 10 points the rest of the way.
EJ Liddell scored 19 points and Joey Branc added 18 points for Ohio State, while Jamary Wheeler finished 16 points, equaling his career with four three-pointers.
Gabby Brown led Michigan State with 13 points and Marcus Bingham Jr. added 11 points.
The Spartans fired 45% from the field overall and 50% from a 3-point range. They beat the Buckeyes 30-26.
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