Michigan State plays in its second senior night, in as many games, as they head to Columbus, Ohio Sunday to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes. It wraps up the Big Ten regular season.

Two months ago, this game looked like it could decide the Big Ten regular season champion. Now these teams are just looking to get hot as the postseason tournaments approach.

The Spartans are coming off a dominant win against No. 24 Iowa, who they beat Thursday night, 86-76. Junior Travis Trice led MSU with 17 points.

Ohio State returns home after dropping two straight on the road to Indiana and Penn State.

It took overtime in the first matchup of the year for the then No. 5 Michigan State to defeat the then No. 3 Buckeyes, 72-68.

The Spartans relied heavily on their seniors in the first game. Keith Appling led the team with 20 points and seven assists in 43 minutes of play. Despite battling foot problems, Adreian Payne had 18 points and six rebounds.

Appling and sophomore Gary Harris did a great job of defending Ohio State’s catalyst, Aaron Craft, one-on-one in January. The Spartans forced four Craft turnovers in the first contest.

Michigan State will need to continue its balanced attack and lockdown defense if they want to end the 2014 regular season on a high note.

Tip is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.

Andrew Hayes is the host of Impact Izzone for Impact Sports.

Photo: David Defever/Impact Sports