Malaki Branham leads No. 23 Ohio State past Michigan State

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Malaki Branham scored 22 points and No. 23 Ohio State snapped a two-game losing streak with an 80-69 win over Michigan State on Thursday night.

Branham scored 15 points in the second half and finished 9 for 16 from the floor.

"We had to have some internal conversations about things we needed to do better," Ohio State coach Chris Holtmann said. "I’ve not really doubted this group to respond this year."

The Buckeyes (19-9, 12-7 Big Ten) made their first five shots and sped to a 13-0 lead in the first 2:47.

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Ohio State's Malaki Branham, front, drives the baseline against Michigan State's Joey Hauser during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, March 3, 2022, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

Michigan State (19-11, 10-9) rallied and closed within two points with 8:11 remaining in the first half.

Ohio State closed the opening period with a 16-8 run for a 43-33 lead at halftime. The Spartans never got closer than 10 points the rest of the way.

E.J. Liddell scored 19 points and Joey Brunk added 18 for Ohio State, while Jamari Wheeler finished with 16 points, tying his career high with four 3-pointers.

Gabe Brown led Michigan State with 13 points, and Marcus Bingham Jr. added 11.

The Spartans shot 45% from the field overall and 50% from 3-point range. They outrebounded the Buckeyes 30-26.

"I’m angry with the way we played," Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said. "The start beat us, not the end. I’m not happy with how we played defensively. I’m not happy with our leadership right now."

BRUNK’S BIG NIGHT

Brunk made his third start of the season and first since Nov. 24,