COL BKB: Ohio State 71, Michigan State 61

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 15 (UPI) -- William Buford scored 23 points Tuesday to lead third-ranked Ohio State to a 71-61 win over Michigan State.

Buford was 9-of-15 from the field for the Buckeyes (25-1, 12-1 Big Ten), who shot 57.4 percent as a team and outscored Michigan State (14-11, 6-7) 36-27 in the second half.

David Lighty and Jon Diebler both had 14 points for Ohio State, which got back on track after suffering its only loss of the season Saturday at Wisconsin.

Kalin Lucas led Michigan State with 14 points. Draymond Green and Adreian Payne both had 10 points.

Green's layup with 2:46 to play cut Ohio State's lead to 64-59, but it was the last points the Spartans would score en route to their sixth loss in eight games.