Ohio State Vs Mi State: Cooper's Career-High Lifts Spartans to 66-60 Win
Carson Cooper scored a career-high 20 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead No. 15 Michigan State to a 66-60 win over Ohio State on Sunday, a result that reshaped the immediate Big Ten pecking order and has implications for both teams' postseason outlooks.
Ohio State Vs Mi State — Game recap and decisive moments
Michigan State closed out the game 66-60 thanks to Cooper's two late free throws after Jordan Scott, who finished with 12 points, made one of two free throws with 9. 8 seconds remaining. The Spartans had held a double-digit lead with 1: 35 left, but Ohio State mounted a seven-point surge to pull within three before the final sequence sealed the win for Michigan State.
Standout performances that shaped the outcome
Carson Cooper's 20 points and 11 rebounds anchored the Spartans' effort, while Jeremy Fears Jr. added 11 points and eight assists. Jaxon Kohler contributed nine points and 10 rebounds despite dealing with foul trouble. On the Ohio State side, Bruce Thornton scored 32 points and was 12 of 22 from the floor; Christoph Tilly added 10 points and missed only one shot. The rest of Ohio State combined to make 11 of 30 shots.
Big Ten standings and statistical implications
The Spartans improved to 22-5 overall and 12-4 in Big Ten play, marking their third win in four games and moving them into a third-place tie in the conference with Nebraska and Purdue. The Buckeyes fell to 17-10 overall and 9-7 in conference play, and the loss dropped them to 0-9 against Quadrant 1 opponents — a statistic that could complicate their path toward an NCAA Tournament bid next month.
Roster notes and availability
Ohio State played without Devin Royal, who was ill, and John Mobley, who was injured. The Buckeyes were also missing the 29 points per game that they average, an absence that factored into their offensive struggles. The senior point guard Bruce Thornton moved past Herb Williams on Ohio State's career scoring list and now trails only Dennis Hopson's school-record 2, 096 points.
What this means next for both teams
Michigan State now heads into a conference road test at Purdue on Thursday, while Ohio State travels to Iowa on Wednesday. The immediate schedule gives each team opportunities to build momentum or respond after this contest; the Spartans will look to maintain their place in the Big Ten mix, and the Buckeyes will aim to shore up their Quadrant 1 resume and compensate for recent absences.
Closing observations and context
The contest showcased a mix of late-game pressure and individual punch. Michigan State's balanced contributions and Cooper's career night made the difference in a closely contested finish, while Ohio State's concentrated scoring from Bruce Thornton highlighted both his value and the need for additional support when key players are unavailable. The records, Quadrant 1 standing, and upcoming matchups give both teams clear short-term objectives following this game.
