Zapala scores season-high 15 points as No. 18 Michigan State holds off Ohio State 69-62

By The Associated Press

Michigan State center Szymon Zapala (10) dunks in front of Ohio State forward Aaron Bradshaw, right, in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Sue Ogrocki]

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Szymon Zapala scored a season-high 15 points and No. 18 Michigan State made 8 of 10 free throws to hold off Ohio State 69-62 for its third straight win to start Big Ten play. Zapala fueled a 12-0 run to build a 14-point lead for the Spartans (12-2, 3-0). However, the Buckeyes rallied as John Mobley Jr. hit a 3 and Bruce Thornton followed with a jumper with 8:47 left to go up, 50-49. Ohio State (9-5, 1-2) then committed turnovers on three straight possessions. Xavier Booker drove the length of the floor for a three-point play, Tre Holloman drilled a 3 and Booker dunked to give Michigan State a 57-50 lead. The Spartans finished strong at the line. Micah Parrish had with 13 points to lead Ohio State.