Lansing Sun

Senior center Szymon Zapala led Michigan State to a 69-62 victory over Ohio State at Value City Arena. Zapala scored a season-high 15 points, marking his first time leading the team in scoring this season. He was one of three players to reach double figures for Michigan State, with senior guard Jaden Akins adding 14 points and sophomore forward Coen Carr contributing 11 points and three rebounds.

The game saw Michigan State maintain an eight-point lead at halftime, extending it to 14 early in the second half. However, Ohio State rallied with a 15-2 run to take a brief lead. The Spartans responded decisively with an 8-0 run, including a pivotal dunk by sophomore forward Xavier Booker that secured their lead.

Junior forward Jaxon Kohler recorded eight points and a game-high ten rebounds, while redshirt freshman guard Jeremy Fears Jr. provided six points and seven assists. Michigan State's victory extends their winning streak to seven games, improving their record to 12-2 overall and 3-0 in the Big Ten Conference. Ohio State's record falls to 9-5 overall and 1-2 in league play.

Michigan State will next face Washington on Thursday, January 9th at the Breslin Center.