COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 9 (UPI) -- Jamar Butler scored 20 points Sunday, triggering Ohio State's 63-54 upset of No. 18 Michigan State.
The winners recovered from an early 14-8 deficit.
A layup by Kalin Lucas gave MSU a 31-23 halftime advantage but the Buckeyes won the second half scoring battle 40-23.
Butler made all eight of his free throws.
Othello Hunter had 13 points and four rebounds.
David Lighty, who hit all five of his shots from the field, scored 12, and Kosta Koufos added 11 points and three rebounds for the Buckeyes (19-12, 10-8 Big Ten), who earned their second straight victory against a ranked opponent.
They beat No. 15 Purdue 80-77 last Tuesday.
Michigan State had one player in double digits -- Raymar Morgan -- who scored 19 points.
Drew Neitzel was held to six points for the Spartans (24-7, 12-6), who dropped four of their last five road games.
They meet again Friday in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament in Indianapolis.
