Big Ten basketball games are usually more physical than the average game, and rivalry games are usually more physical than the average game, so it should come as no surprise that the Ohio State Buckeyes and Michigan Wolverines played something that resembled rugby on Saturday night. The referees let a lot go and Michigan seemed to benefit from the way the game was called. However, it was not physical play or officiating, but big shots that gave them the 56-51 victory at the end.
No. 6 Ohio State Vs. No. 17 Michigan: Wolverines Hang On In Ann Arbor
Michigan hit some big shots down the stretch to hold on for a win in a physical game against Ohio State.
Deshaun Thomas had a massive game for the Buckeyes with 25 points and 13 rebounds, while Jared Sullinger chipped in with a respectable 14 and eight. They didn't get any help from their teammates, however; the rest of the Ohio State team combined for just 12 points, including none off the bench.
Jordan Morgan had a double-double, while Trey Burke made the clinching bucket to make it a two possession game in the final seconds. Stu Douglass and Zack Novak also made big shots late, hitting back-to-back step-back jumpers late in the second half to keep Michigan's lead at five points.
Ohio State drops to 10-4 in the very competitive Big Ten, while Michigan moves up to 10-4. The Wolverines and Buckeyes are a half-game behind Michigan State in the conference standings, and the Spartans play Purdue on Sunday.
For more on the two teams, check out Ohio State Buckeyes blog Along The Olentangy and Michigan Wolverines blog Maize ‘n’ Brew.
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