Disappointing Finish
Fans would not want it to be any other way than to have two rivals battle it out in the regular-season finale. Michigan and Ohio State faced each other with major implications on the line. A Michigan win would potentially put them in reach of an NCAA tournament bid. It would be no easy task, especially since their best player Hunter Dickinson was ruled out due to the stomach bug. A win for Ohio State would give them the 5th seed in the Big Ten tournament next weekend. Ohio State took the lead early in the game, but Michigan would drain a three-pointer to tie the game at 20. Buckeyes E.J. Liddell would give Ohio State the lead making an off-balance bank shot. Later in the half center, Joey Brunk would slam down a dunk which gave the Buckeyes a seven-point lead. Ohio State was leading at halftime 37-30.
Michigan would cut Ohio State’s lead as they focused on using their speed to get to the basket. Michigan guard Eli Brooks tried to score on a layup however, E.J. Liddell chased him down and swatted the shot as it was released. Michigan would tighten up their defense and force turnovers. This resulted in fast breakpoints. Michigan started to heat up and drain consecutive three-pointers. Michigan guard Devante Jones took charge as he dismantled the Ohio State defense, either knocking down tough contested shots or by making great passes to set up his teammates. Michigan took a nine-point lead with under seven minutes remaining in the game.
Ohio State would create a 7-0 run to cut the deficit to four points. Ohio State tried to create scoring opportunities, but the Michigan defense was tenacious. Ohio State forward Justin Ahrens knocked down a huge three-pointer, which kept his team in the game. Ohio State could not stop the Michigan offense and lost 75-69. The loss dropped Ohio State to an overall record of 19 wins, 11 losses, and a conference record of 12 wins and nine losses. Ohio State finishes 5th in the conference and will look to bounce back this week at the Big Ten tournament.
About Author
