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Columbus, Ohio • Aaron Craft slashed through the lane for a career-high 21 points on Sunday — more than he had scored in the last three games combined — to lead No. 18 Ohio State to a 68-60 victory over fourth-ranked 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 dropped two in a row after winning 11 of 12.
The victory improved Ohio State to 2-7 against ranked teams this season — both wins against Michigan's Big Ten teams at Value City Arena. The Buckeyes are 18-0 against teams not in The Associated Press Top 25.
Michigan State, which lost to Indiana 72-68 on Tuesday night, still has games at No. 7 Michigan on Sunday and No. 19 Wisconsin at home on March 9 in a string of four in a row against ranked opponents. They close out the regular season on March 10.
Duke 89, Boston College 68 • Freshman Rasheed Sulaimon scored a season-high 27 points and No. 6 Duke routed Boston College.
Mason Plumlee added 19 points and 15 rebounds for the Blue Devils (24-3, 11-3 Atlantic Coast Conference). They shot nearly 54 percent — 62 percent during the first half — and outscored BC 48-17 during the 15½ minute span that put this one out of reach by halftime. —
Sunday's scores
• No. 6 Duke 89, Boston College 68
• No. 7 Michigan 71,Illinois 58
• No. 18 Ohio State 68, No. 4 Michigan State 60
• No. 20 Pittsburgh 63, St. John's 47
• No. 25 Notre Dame 62, Cincinnati 41