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Michigan State basketball vs. Ohio State tipoff: Matchup analysis and a prediction

Published

2 months ago

February 22, 2026

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Michigan State basketball vs. Ohio State tipoff: Matchup analysis and a prediction

• What: Michigan State vs. Ohio State

• When: 1 p.m. Sunday

• Where: Breslin Center

• TV/Radio: CBS/Spartan Sports Network radio, including WJIM 1240-AM and WMMQ 94.9-FM; SiriusXM Ch. 83 (MSU broadcast), 380 (Ohio State broadcast)

• Records/Rankings: MSU is 21-5 overall and 11-4 in the Big Ten, and ranked No. 15 by both the Associated Press and USA TODAY Coaches poll. The Spartans are No. 12 in the NET rankings and No. 10 per the college basketball analytics site Kenpom.com. Ohio State is 17-9 overall, 9-6 in the Big Ten, and unranked by both major polls, while being No. 38 in the NET rankings and No. 36 by Kenpom.

• Betting line: MSU -10.5

• Coaches: Michigan State — Tom Izzo is 758-307 in his 31st season as a head coach, all with the Spartans. Ohio State — Jake Diebler is 42-27 in his third season as a head coach (second full season) and with the Buckeyes.

• Series: MSU leads 76-61 all-time. MSU won the only meeting last year, 69-62 in Columbus.

Projected lineups

MSU

C (15) Carson Cooper (6-11) 10.0

PF (0) Jaxon Kohler (6-9) 12.4

SF (55) Coen Carr (6-5) 11.9

SG (6) Jordan Scott (6-7) 5.8

PG (1) Jeremy Fears Jr. (6-2) 15.1

Ohio State

C (13) Christoph Tilly (7-0) 11.4

PF (1) Amare Bynum (6-8) 9.6

SF (21) Devin Royal (6-6) 14.0

SG (3) Taison Chatman (6-4) 4.3

PG (2) Bruce Thornton (6-2) 19.9

• MSU update: The Spartans are coming off a much-needed win and performance Tuesday against UCLA. At 11-4 in Big Ten play, MSU is out of the Big Ten title race, but playing important games now for NCAA tournament seeding and, to a lesser extent, Big Ten tournament seeding. The Spartans are very much in the hunt for a 3 seed in the NCAA tournament, which would be a far better path than being a 4 or 5 seed in terms of their path to a deep run. Getting to a 2 seed isn’t out of the realm of possibility, though it would take some work, perhaps wins at Purdue and at Michigan.

Before the Spartans can worry about that, they’ve got to handle business at home against Ohio State. MSU is the No. 6 team in the country in defensive efficiency and No. 40 in offensive efficiency, per Kenpom, and the Spartans are No. 2 in defensive rebounding percentage and No. 6 in offensive rebounding. MSU point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. continues to lead the country in assists at 9.2 per game.

MORE: Couch: Unless something changes, Michigan State basketball’s offensive limitations will be an insurmountable hurdle

• Ohio State update: The Buckeyes just walloped Wisconsin, 86-69, Tuesday night for their most impressive win of the season. Senior guard Bruce Thornton, who’s become one of those players who it seems has been around for a decade, is playing like he’s determined to taste an NCAA tournament before he’s done. Ohio State last reached the Big Dance in 2021-22, the year before Thornton arrived. The Buckeyes have a decent shot to make it this season. Right now they’re projected right on the NCAA bubble by a number of bracketologists. The win over Wisconsin helped. Winning at MSU would do wonders for their case. Hurting their chances is a hand injury to sophomore guard John Mobley, the team’s second-leading scorer and most prolific shooter. Mobley is out indefinitely after having surgery on his hand after suffering the injury during the USC game on Feb. 11. Since he’s been out, Ohio State has lost to Virginia on a neutral court and bludgeoned the Badgers at home.

• Matchup analysis: The loss of Mobley hurts the Buckeyes. He was shooting 40% on 175 3-point attempts. Mobley’s replacement in the starting lineup, redshirt sophomore Taison Chatman, is a strong shooter, who’s made 2 of 4 3-point tries in each of his two starts and is 17-for-32 from deep on the season. Thornton is a three-level scorer. He’s the engine and an elite pick-and-roll guard, a bucket-getter more than he’s a distributor, though he’s had eight assists twice in the last three games. He’s also scored 56 points over the two games without Mobley. I don’t think MSU will want to risk Fears getting in foul trouble defending Thornton. I’d expect Jordan Scott to get that assignment and see if he can do to Thornton what he did to Illinois’ Keaton Wagler. Disrupting Thornton is the key to limiting an Ohio State offense that ranks 22nd nationally in Kenpom and is among the top five in the Big Ten.

While the Buckeyes have some shooters, they’re at their best inside the arc and getting to the free-throw line, where they shoot close to 80%. Devin Royal can be a tough matchup on the wing, but it’s one that MSU is equipped to handle with Coen Carr and perhaps Cam Ward. Christopher Tilly, a Santa Clara transfer, is 7-feet and skilled offensively, but not a great defender or rebounder.

• Prediction: The Buckeyes will be more invested in giving the Spartans a fight than UCLA was on Tuesday night. But this is the sort of game MSU ought to win at home — and one the Spartans have to win if they want to move toward a top 3 seed in the NCAA tournament and hope to get a top 4 seed in the Big Ten tournament, which comes with a double-bye. MSU has been too good at home for teams beneath the elite tier.

• Make it: MSU 77, Ohio State 67

MORE: Couch: By transforming MSU Athletics, J Batt hopes to build a sustainable enterprise — and winning football

Contact Graham Couch at gcouch@lsj.com. Follow him on X @Graham_Couch and BlueSky @GrahamCouch.

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Ohio Valley hospitals mark Donate Life Month with flag raisings, awareness events

Published

11 hours ago

April 10, 2026

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Ohio Valley hospitals mark Donate Life Month with flag raisings, awareness events

BARNESVILLE, Ohio — Blue and green Donate Life flags are flying at several Ohio Valley hospitals this month as health care workers and supporters work to raise awareness about organ, eye and tissue donation.

WVU Medicine Barnesville Hospital hosted a flag-raising ceremony Thursday in honor of National Donate Life Month. The event aimed to raise awareness of organ, eye and tissue donation.

In addition to the ceremony, an educational table and a pinwheel garden will be on display at Barnesville Hospital throughout the month. The displays are intended to give visitors a chance to learn more about organ donation and to honor donor heroes.

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Ohio moves to undo Cincinnati’s conversion therapy ban | Opinion

Published

23 hours ago

April 10, 2026

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Ohio moves to undo Cincinnati’s conversion therapy ban | Opinion

A proposed Ohio law and U.S. Supreme Court decision could overturn Cincinnati’s ban on conversion therapy, raising concerns about the return of a discredited and harmful practice.

Ben Kelly
| Opinion contributor

Just over 10 years ago, Cincinnati City Council voted to ban conversion therapy in the city. For those who are unfamiliar, conversion therapy is a discredited practice aiming to “cure” patients of their homosexuality. This is at best useless pseudoscience and at worst a dangerous abuse of children.

It proved especially dangerous in 2014 when a transgender teenager in Cincinnati named Leelah Alcorn died by suicide, which she said was in part caused by the conversion therapy she was forced to endure. Conversion therapy is completely ineffective and has already killed at least one Cincinnatian. Unfortunately, many conservatives are arguing that the practice should be protected.

State Representatives Gary Click and Josh Williams have introduced a bill in the Ohio Statehouse that would ban cities from regulating conversion therapy, which would overturn Cincinnati’s ban and bring back this harmful practice. Even more broadly, the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Chiles v. Salazar seems likely to ban states and cities from regulating conversion therapy.

Turning back the clock

To be clear, these bans leave religious expression untouched. People can still speak out against homosexuality or say whatever they want about LGBTQ rights. These bans target therapy, not religious practices. I believe there can be sensible regulations on therapy to ensure that providers are not doing anything harmful to their patients, in the same way that there are regulations on what medical services a doctor can provide.

The actions by the Ohio GOP and the Supreme Court show that some want to turn the clock back and take away any rights that LGBTQ people have fought for over the past few decades. Gay rights opponents will try to soften their language and say they are just focused on transgender surgeries for minors or fairness in sports, but promoting this practice shows their problem is with gay people in general.

No matter how much you repeat it, you can not “pray the gay away.” Trying to force gay people back into the closet only results in tragedy.

Ben Kelly lives in Over-the-Rhine. A graduate of Northern Kentucky University, he works in government and is active in Democratic politics. Kelly worked with the National Suicide Prevention Hotline from 2019-2022.

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Ohio

Two Republicans running for Ohio treasurer in the May 5 primary

Published

1 day ago

April 9, 2026

Press Room

Two Republicans running for Ohio treasurer in the May 5 primary

Ohio primary voters will send one of two Republican state treasurer candidates on to the 2026 general election.

Current Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague is term-limited and cannot seek reelection for the role. Former southeast Ohio state Rep. Jay Edwards and northeast Ohio state Sen. Kristina Roegner are both seeking the GOP nomination for the general election in November.

The winner of the May primary will face Cincinnati City Council Member Seth Walsh, who is running unopposed as the Democratic candidate.

Ohio’s primary election is May 5, with polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters also may cast their ballots early at the Franklin County Board of Elections, 1700 Morse Road.

The information below was supplied by candidates responding to a questionnaire. The Dispatch only edited responses for length or clarity.

Jay Edwards

Age: 36

Campaign Website: edwardsforohio.com

Background: Jay Edwards is a native of Nelsonville, Ohio, and a proud son of Appalachia. He earned a B.S. in mathematics from Ohio University, where he played football on scholarship. After college, he started a successful real estate company that he still manages today. At age 27, he flipped a longtime Democratic seat to become state representative for Ohio’s 94th District (2017–2024). He served as House Majority Whip and later chaired the House Finance Committee, where he helped pass a $3.2 billion tax cut and universal school choice. Term-limited in 2025, Edwards is now a Republican candidate for Ohio State Treasurer, committed to fiscal responsibility, opportunity, and supporting working families and businesses across the state.

Why are you the best candidate?: I combine proven fiscal leadership, hands-on experience managing state budgets, and a commitment to responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

A graduate of Ohio University with a B.S. in mathematics, I was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives at age 27 and served from 2017 to 2024. As House Finance Committee chair, I helped deliver a $3.2 billion tax cut for Ohio families and businesses, advanced universal school choice, and secured critical investments in infrastructure and economic development.

What new initiatives would you bring to the treasurer’s office?: As Ohio treasurer, I will modernize the office and restore taxpayer trust through targeted initiatives.

First, I will upgrade the Treasurer’s office from its outdated 1970s-era ACH system to 21st-century technology. This will improve efficiency, security, and speed while making all state financial transactions more accessible.

I will enhance the Ohio Checkbook program to make it even simpler and more user-friendly, so every Ohioan can easily see exactly where their tax dollars are spent — bringing real transparency and accountability back to government.

To support public safety, I will launch a Link Deposit program that prioritizes state deposits with financial institutions committed to backing first responders. In our largest cities, where respect for police and law enforcement has eroded, this program will strengthen partnerships that keep our communities safe. If cities refuse to support the police and public safety, then it is time for the state to step up.

These practical steps — modernization, transparency, and support for those who protect us — will ensure Ohio’s finances work efficiently and earn the trust of every taxpayer.

What changes, if any, would you make to Ohio’s investment in Israel bonds?: As Ohio treasurer, my decisions on investments, including Israel bonds, will be guided solely by what is best for Ohio taxpayers — prioritizing safety, liquidity, and return.

I am troubled that too many entities are divesting from Israel bonds for purely political reasons. These bonds have a strong track record of low risk, reliable repayments, and competitive returns that benefit Ohio’s portfolio.

Without access to the current detailed portfolio data, I cannot commit to specific adjustments today. However, any changes would be based strictly on financial merit, not politics.

I have long stood as an ally to the Jewish community. The recent dramatic rise in outright hatred toward Israel and Jewish people is sickening and must be rejected. Ohio should continue to make prudent investments that deliver strong value while upholding fiscal responsibility.

What role should AI play in the treasurer’s office?: As Ohio’s next treasurer, I believe AI should serve as a powerful efficiency tool — not a replacement for human oversight or taxpayer accountability. In the treasurer’s office, AI can analyze investment portfolios in real time to maximize returns on state funds, detect fraud in unclaimed property claims, streamline cash-flow forecasting, and automate routine back-office tasks. These applications will cut administrative costs, reduce waste, and deliver better results for Ohio taxpayers without growing government.

Every AI use must include strict human review, ironclad data security, and full transparency so citizens can see exactly how their money is being managed. We embrace innovation to strengthen fiscal responsibility — never to expand bureaucracy. Responsible AI will help us protect and grow Ohio’s financial resources while keeping decision-making firmly in accountable hands.

State Sen. Kristina Roegner

Age: 57

Campaign website: kristinaroegner.com

Background: I’ve built my professional career on financial oversight. After earning a Bachelors of Science in mechanical engineering from Tufts University and a MBA in finance from the Wharton School of Business, I worked for Westinghouse and subsequently McKinsey & Co, where financial discipline and results were paramount. Starting my service in elected office on Hudson City Council, I went on to serve eight years in the Ohio House and am currently completing my eighth year in the Ohio Senate. As the chair of the General Government Committee, I am steadfast and laser-focused on protecting taxpayers and ensuring responsible, conservative decision making.

Why are you the best candidate?: The treasurer is a role where background, expertise, and integrity matter. Having earned my MBA in finance combined with experience in management consulting, I am by far the most prepared candidate for this role. I served with integrity during my 15 years in the legislature, and earned a reputation for being above reproach. I am grateful to have the endorsement of every single member of leadership in the Ohio House and Ohio Senate as well as a supermajority of my Republican colleagues in both chambers. Notice: these leaders from across Ohio – who have worked alongside both me and my opponent – they know us both and endorse my candidacy.

I have been consistently loyal to our Republican principled conservative ideals. I have a reputation for working hard and getting things done. My legislative accomplishments can attest to that. I was always faithful and never censured; never associated with any corruption scandals.

I’m the best choice to be Ohio’s next treasurer because I bring the right mix of real-world experience, proven leadership and financial stewardship. I’m respected by my colleagues in Columbus and voters across Ohio. I am guided by faith and driven to serve.

What new initiatives would you bring to the treasurer’s office?: As treasurer, I will strengthen oversight and internal controls to ensure every dollar is tracked, protected, and used as intended. With cyber-attacks on the rise, I will prioritize best-in-class cybersecurity defenses for the treasurer’s office.

I will also proactively reunite Ohioans with their unclaimed funds by moving administration from the passive Department of Commerce to the Treasurer’s office. Legislation to achieve this (HB480) is already moving forward. Once in place, I will streamline the claims process and proactively match citizens with their money.

Ohioans deserve full transparency with their tax dollars. I proudly supported HB175 in 2013, which created www.ohiocheckbook.com. I will expand this to include municipalities and schools by supporting pending legislation (HB413) and implementing it as treasurer.

As chief investment officer, I will maximize conservative, safe returns to generate additional revenue to help minimize tax burdens on Ohioans.

What changes, if any, would you make to Ohio’s investment in Israel bonds?: The Israel bonds currently held by the Ohio Treasurer’s office are all investment grade, as is required. It is my understanding that they are one of the best returning investments in the portfolio and they have never defaulted on a payment. From a risk-return perspective these assets have performed very well. Every Ohio State Treasurer over the last 30 years – both Republican and Democrat – have invested in Israel bonds. Interestingly, these Israel bonds only mature to the “purchaser of record,” meaning Ohio must hold them to maturity. Going forward, I would consider differing maturities for Israel bonds; shorter maturities would provide Ohio more flexibility with liquidity.

What role should AI play in the treasurer’s office?: AI should be a tool to strengthen sound financial stewardship, but should not replace responsible human supervision of taxpayer dollars. In the treasurer’s office, AI can enhance fraud detection, improve reporting in Ohiocheckbook.com, and enhance cybersecurity by quickly spotting threats. Used responsibly, it can analyze investment data to support better decision-making within conservative guidelines. That being said, any use of AI must prioritize data security, transparency, and accountability, ensuring taxpayer information is protected and decisions remain in the hands of humans.

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