Indiana and Michigan State gave us one of the better games of the year on Tuesday night. Playing in front of a capacity crowd at the Breslin Center, the No. 1 Hoosiers came away with the 72-68 victory.
No. 1 Indiana vs. No. 4 Michigan State final score: Hoosiers escape with 72-68 win
In a battle of Big Ten foes, Indiana came away with the huge conference victory on Tuesday night. Victor Oladipo’s heroics down the stretch were the difference for the nation’s top-ranked squad.
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It was an impressive win for a team many consider the favorites to cut down the nets in April.
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Indiana had control for much of the first half, holding a six-point lead at the break. Michigan State caught fire from the field midway through the second half, though and took the lead with six minutes left.
The two teams went back and forth down the stretch. With his team down one, Victor Oladipo tipped in a rebound to give Indiana a 68-67 lead. Michigan State failed to score on their next possession. Oladipo then broke away for a dunk on the fast break, putting the Hoosiers up three with 10 seconds left.
Gary Harris was fouled attempting a three-pointer that would've tied the game. He clanked the first free throw, but made the second. Harris intentionally missed the third shot, which Oladipo rebounded. Oladipo then sank both free throws after being fouled, securing the crucial win for the nation's top-ranked team.
Oladipo, who was playing with a sore ankle, stuffed the stat sheet with 19 points, nine rebounds and five steals. Cody Zeller led Indiana with 17 points and five rebounds. All game long, the Spartans really struggled to contain the All-American candidate whenever he touched the ball in the paint. Jordan Hulls hit four 3-pointers to finish with 12 points.
Adreian Payne had a big night for MSU with 17 points and seven rebounds. Gary Harris led his team with 19 points and three steals. The Spartans relied on a balanced scoring attack on the offensive end with six players scoring at least six points.
Next up for Indiana is a road test at Minnesota on Saturday night. Michigan State heads to Ohio State at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday afternoon.
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