By Steve Patterson

    Coach Matta started the after-game press conference with some analysis of the game against Michigan State to open the Big Ten Tournament for the Buckeyes. “I think obviously hard-fought game. Michigan State made some huge plays down the stretch.” Drew Neitzel was the game changer for Michigan State, scoring 50% from behind the ark and hitting key three point baskets. He scored 28 of the teams 67 points to down Ohio State 67-60.

    “I thought our defense was off the charts there to start the second half.” Coach Matta explained about his team coming out of half-time. “And, you know, they got us from the foul line and Neitzel came out firing and made some huge shots, the 3 there late when we cut it to two, we were in scramble mode and he shot it from about 25 feet. I mean, that was probably the back-breaker for us.” Ohio State kept the game close the entire way but only managed to pull ahead one time early in the second period.

    Even with a 7 minute stretch were Michigan State went cold, Ohio State could not take control of this hard fought Big Ten Tournament game. “But they were a very good basketball team, and I felt like going in at halftime we were in the position that we wanted to be and came out and got a quick layup to start the second half then we hit a little bit of a slide there offensively. We were struggling to get a bucket, which is a credit to their defense.” Matta said.

    Jamar Butler still feels this is a NCAA tournament team even after the heartbreaker in the opener to Michigan State. “I think so. I think we've shown this past week with the two teams we beat with Michigan State being one of them and Purdue the other one, the kind of ball we're playing right now I have to say we are.” Butler told reporters shortly after the game.