Michigan Beats Ohio State 71-67 In Big Ten Tournament Quarterfinal
Michigan has a great college basketball team. They beat Ohio State today, 71-67. Ohio State had its opportunities in this game, but kept shooting itself in the foot. You cannot do that against good teams, and it seemed like every time Ohio State made a bad play, the Wolverines hit a three-pointer.
Despite losing to one of the top teams in the nation, Ohio State is looking to be selected for the NCAA Tournament. There is no shame in losing to such a good team, and the four consecutive wins over good teams have helped the Buckeyes. What would you seed Ohio State in the NCAA Tournament?
Michigan and Ohio State Summary
Ohio State gave Michigan all it could handle in this game. Michigan started on a 7-0 run. The Wolverines were also 4-of-8 from three-point range in the first half. Ohio State was only 4-of-12. After the big Wolverine start to the game, Ohio State got back into the game as Head Coach Jake Diebler set the defense. Bruce Thornton, the all-time leading scorer in Ohio State history, had 13 points in the first half. Thornton also got enough assists and rebounds in the game to have 2,000 points for his career, with 500 assists and rebounds.
Ohio State trailed 39-34 at halftime in this game, but came out in the second half hot, in particular John Mobley Jr., and tied the game at 44 at the first media timeout. Then Michigan went on a 7-0 run, but Ohio State came back. It was 53-52. There were only 11 minutes to go, and the Wolverines had only a three-point lead.
With 7:19 left in the game, the Wolverines lead by only three points; it was a one-possession game. They got it to 60-58 with under six minutes left, then Devin Royal hit a three-pointer, and Ohio State took a 61-60 lead. Even though the Buckeyes kept this game close right down to the wire, ultimately it was the defensive prowess of the Wolverines that won the game.
Player Of the Game
The player of this game was Thornton. The senior and Ohio State guard had 22 points in this game. He was the best player on the floor, regardless of the outcome. He helped Ohio State keep the game close.
Turning Point Of the Game
This game was very close throughout, so the turning point of the game was late in the second half. Michigan probably wanted a blowout; they have the most of those in the conference. Aday Mara hit two free throws with 2:56 remaining in the game that were important. Also, his length altered several shots defensively. He had 17 points and 7 rebounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Wolverines beat the Buckeyes in the Big Ten Quarterfinal, 71-67. Thornton was the player of the game. He was the best player on the floor in this game and had 24 points. Michigan plays the winner of the Illinois-Wisconsin game, which is later this afternoon. Ohio State awaits its fate from the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee. Many projections have them as a nine seed.
Parting Shots
Michigan had three players on the All-Big Ten Conference defensive team. They were the first team ever to do that. Big Ten player of the year, Yaxel Lendeborg, had only 5 points in this game, but his leadership was important.
