February Madness! Ohio State Hits Crazy Buzzer-Beater At Michigan State

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The best parts of March Madness are the upsets and the buzzer-beaters. Ohio State accomplished both in a crazy win on the road at Michigan State. 

The Spartans entered the game as 10-point favorites over the Buckeyes. Ohio State has the second-worst conference record in the Big Ten, while Michigan State sits in the middle of the pack. 

This was a game that Michigan State needed as it fights for a double-bye in the Big Ten Tournament, which requires it to secure a top four seed in the league. 

Early on, the game went according to plan for the hosts in East Lansing. Michigan State led by ten points at halftime and quickly stretched the lead to 12. According to ESPN Analytics, the Spartans had nearly a 96% chance of winning midway through the second half. 

But, the Buckeyes started chipping away and eventually took a one-point lead with 11 seconds left. The Buckeyes fouled Spartans guard Tyson Walker, who hit one of two free throws to tie the score with six seconds left. 

Ohio State in-bounded the ball from underneath its own basket with six seconds left. Eventually, the ball made its way into the hands of Buckeyes' guard Dale Bonner. 

Walker tightly guarded Bonner, who had to fade away and throw up an off-balance 3-pointer to beat the buzzer. He did, and the shot dropped. Ohio State players rushed onto the court in pure jubilation. 

A great shot from Bonner and a preview of the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Hopefully, we see a lot more of these. 

Dale Bonner of the Ohio State Buckeyes shoots the game-winning shot over Tyson Walker of the Michigan State Spartans.

Dale Bonner of the Ohio State Buckeyes shoots the game-winning shot over Tyson Walker of the Michigan State Spartans.

(Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)

What Michigan State fans don't want to see a lot more of – apparently – is head coach Tom Izzo. 

Izzo is a Michigan State legend and member of the Basketball Hall of Fame who has led the school to eight Final Fours and one NCAA Championship. But, that title came over 20 years ago and some fans think Izzo doesn't have it anymore.

Ultimately, the season isn't judged until the NCAA Tournament. Tom Izzo probably isn't too worried about a February loss, especially for a team still in good position to reach The Dance. 

But, if the Spartans face another early exit, the cries for Izzo to retire might pick up some steam in East Lansing. 

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Dan began his sports media career at ESPN, where he survived for nearly a decade. Once the Stockholm Syndrome cleared, he made his way to Outkick. He is secure enough in his masculinity to admit he is a cat-enthusiast with three cats, one of which is named “Brady” because his wife wishes she were married to Tom instead of him.