Ohio State Shocks Michigan State at Buzzer in Upset Win

The Ohio State Buckeyes snapped their never-ending road losing streak in a thrilling win over the Michigan State Spartans on Sunday.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are continuing to climb to new heights under interim coach Jake Diebler, but might have just reached their biggest turning point yet.

Diebler fell to his knees with joy on the sidelines in East Lansing on Sunday after Ohio State guard Dale Bonner nailed a desperation 3-pointer at the buzzer to give the Buckeyes a thrilling 60-57 win over the Michigan State Spartans.

The win snapped Ohio State's 17-game road losing streak that had lasted 420 days dating back to last season.

Ohio State's Dale Bonner, center, celebrates after hitting a game winning 3-pointer in the game against Michigan State on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing / © Nick King, Lansing State Journal

"The character of our guys has been revealed over these last three games," said Diebler, who led the Buckeyes (16-12, 6-11 Big Ten) to a 73-69 win over then-No. 2 Purdue last week in the first game after head coach Chris Holtmann was fired.

Bonner, a Baylor transfer, finished with just six points off the bench but came through when it mattered most. Ohio State freshman forward Devin Royal posted a career-high 14 points off the bench to lead the Buckeyes. Bruce Thornton (11 points), Roddy Gayle Jr. (12 points, eight rebounds) and Felix Okpara (10 points, six rebounds) all finished in double figures while second-leading scorer Jamison Battle sat due to injury.

The Buckeyes trailed by as many as 12 and didn't lead for the entire game until Bonner's game-winning shot.

"Very disappointing," said Michigan State coach Tom Izzo. "We lead for all but 0.6 seconds. ... We didn't deserve to win this game."

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The Spartans (17-11, 9-8 Big Ten), who are currently above the bubble line for the NCAA Tournament, got a game-high 15 points from forward Malik Hall. Veteran guard Tyson Walker added 12 points and three rebounds.

Ohio State will look to keep momentum going as the Big Ten Tournament approaches. The Buckeyes host Nebraska on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. ET.