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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted at 10:07 a.m., Saturday, March 14, 2009

CBKB: Ohio State surprises No. 7 Michigan State in Big Ten tourney

By NANCY ARMOUR
AP National Writer

INDIANAPOLIS — No sweep for No. 7 Michigan State. Probably no No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament, either.

Ohio State used every bit of its depth and versatility, not to mention some nifty 3-point shooting, in overpowering the Spartans 82-70 in the semifinals of the Big Ten tournament Saturday. It was the second-most points the Spartans (26-6) had allowed this season.

Evan Turner had all 18 of his points in the second half, along with 10 rebounds and five assists. Jon Diebler had 17 on 5-of-10 shooting from 3-point range, and B.J. Mullens added 12.

Kalin Lucas had 17 for the Spartans, who were hoping that adding the tournament title to their regular-season crown might convince the NCAA selection committee to make them a No. 1 seed. Instead, the Spartans will head home while Ohio State plays either No. 24 Purdue or Illinois on Sunday for a shot at its second title in three years.