CHICAGO -- Michigan State star forward Nick Ward has returned to the rotation after missing five games because of a broken left hand.
The team's second-leading scorer, Ward checked in just over four minutes into the Spartans' Big Ten Tournament matchup against Ohio State and promptly hit a short jumper. He had missed five consecutive games after suffering a hairline fracture in his hand during a 62-44 victory over Ohio State on Feb. 17.
Ward came in averaging 15.1 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. The top-seeded Spartans are seeking their sixth Big Ten Tournament championship.