Sports

Ohio State beats Michigan State

Aaron Craft slashed through the lane for a career-high 21 points yesterday — more than he had scored in the last three games combined — to lead No. 18 Ohio State to a 68-60 victory over No. 4 Michigan State.

The loss crippled the Spartans’ hopes of catching up with top-ranked Indiana, which now leads the Big Ten race by two full games with four remaining.

Deshaun Thomas added 12 of his 14 points in the second half for the Buckeyes (20-7, 10-5), who stand fifth in the conference. Evan Ravenel added 10 points and a crucial block in the final minute.

Freshman Gary Harris had 14 points and Adreian Payne and Derrick Nix each had 12 for the Spartans (22-6, 11-4), who have lost two in a row after winning 11 of 12.

Duke 89, Boston College 68

In Durham, N.C., freshman Rasheed Sulaimon scored a season-high 27 points and No. 6 Duke (24-3, 11-3 ACC) routed Boston College (12-15, 4-10).

Mason Plumlee added 19 points and 15 rebounds for the Blue Devils. They shot nearly 54 percent — 62 percent during the first half — and outscored BC 48-17 during the 15 1/2 minute span that put this one out of reach by halftime.

Michigan 71, Illinois 58

In Ann Arbor, Mich., Trey Burke had 26 points and eight assists to help No. 7 Michigan (23-4, 10-4 Big Ten) bounce back from a slow start to beat Illinois (20-9, 7-8).

Notre Dame 62, Cincinnati 41

In South Bend, Ind., Jerian Grant was a perfect 9-for-9 from the free-throw line and scored 13 points to lead No. 25 Notre Dame (22-6, 10-5 Big East) over Cincinnati (19-9, 7-8).

LOCAL COLLEGES

Stony Brook 69, Maine 53

In Orono, Maine, Tommy Brenton tallied 13 points, a career-high 20 rebounds and seven assists to help Stony Brook (21-6, 12-2 America East) clinch at least a share of the conference regular-season title, defeating Maine (11-17, 6-9).

Jameel Warney added 15 points and Dave Coley had 12 for the Seawolves, who have won four straight and set a program record with their 11th road victory of the season.

Alasdair Fraser scored 15 points to lead Maine.

Hofstra 70, Old Dominion 59

In Hempstead, N.Y., David Imes scored 18 points and Taran Buie had 15 as Hofstra (7–22, 4-12 CAA) defeated Old Dominion (4-24, 2-14).