After back-to-back losses at home, the Michigan State Spartans (12-7, 4-2) go back on the road to play Ohio State (13-9, 3-3).

The Spartans’ last meeting with Ohio State ended in a 67-60 loss.  They have not beaten the Buckeyes since February 21, 2010.

The Buckeyes are tied for sixth at 3-3 in the Big Ten and 13-9 for the season. Michigan State is 12-7 this season and 4-2 in the Big Ten conference. While the Spartans are coming off a loss to Illinois, the Buckeyes are coming off a 61-50 win against The University of Michigan on Thursday.

Michigan State has been great on the road this Big Ten season (3-0) and that could be an great advantage against Ohio State.  Since being coached by Suzy Merchant, the Spartans are 34-20 in road conference games,  . This is the most wins in the Big Ten for the time period.

Sophomore guard, Ameryst Alston is a player to watch from the Buckeyes. Averaging double-figure points, Alston also leads the team with assists and steals. For the Spartans, junior Becca Mills has been an effective player for the Spartans despite the team’s losses.  In the last game against Illinois, Mills had the first point of the game and earned scored 17 points. total. Her 17 points made tied her for the most ever in a Big Ten game.

In the last two games the Spartans struggled offensively in the second half.  MSU had 23 points, 31 percent shooting from the field, and 1-for-12 from the 3-point line. The Spartan’s 51 points and 3-20 for 3-point field goals were the season lows.

The Spartans are will be looking to bring more energy and intensity to this game against the Ohio State Buckeyes.

The game will be Sunday in Columbus, Ohio at 12:30 p.m. Catch the game recap right here at Impact Sports.

Jennifer Aldridge is a multimedia journalist for Impact Sports.

Photo: Nubia Buckingham/Impact Sports