The Michigan Wolverines (20-5, 12-2) traveled to Columbus on Sunday for their first rivalry game of the season under Dusty May. Heading into hostile territory was difficult, but the Wolverines continued their winning streak by beating the Ohio State Buckeyes by a score of 86-83.
Former Ohio State Forward Roddy Gayle returned to Columbus after transferring to Michigan before the 2024-2025 season. Fans did not necessarily welcome Gayle back with open arms, but he did his part on the basketball court to help the Wolverines win the game.
Michigan Wolverines Beat Ohio State 86-83
Got the W in Columbus!#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/iGp80MRWEF
— Michigan Men's Basketball (@umichbball) February 16, 2025
During the last nine conference matchups, Michigan has won each game by four points or less. Vladislav Golden led the team in scoring with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Danny Wolf was the second high-point man with 17 points, 11 boards, and five assists. Nimari Burnett also added to the scoring column with 11 points by going 3-of-7 from deep.
Gayle contributed with nine points in his return to Columbus. Any time that Gayle touched the basketball, fans of Ohio State were not too kind. When coming into a rivalry game, that is to be expected, seeing that Gayle left the Buckeyes program after just one season.
Michigan Wolverines Moving Forward
Back-to-back rivalry games are not always ideal, but that is what the Michigan Wolverines have to deal with moving ahead in their remaining schedule. Next up for Michigan comes the Michigan State Spartans (20-5, 11-3). Tom Izzo and his team are currently sitting in second place behind the Wolverines in conference play.
Friday night will be a Maize Out game in Ann Arbor, as the Spartans will take the 60-mile bus ride to Crisler Center. This is another game that gets physical between the two arch-rivals. Izzo is looking to add to his impressive Big Ten winning percentage as he recently passed Bob Knight with the most conference wins at 354 in their last game against the Illinois Fighting Illini.
Michigan can stay on top of the Big Ten with a win against Michigan State at the end of the week. But if the Spartans leave Ann Arbor with a win, it will leave both squads tied for first place. You can expect the energy levels to be at an all-time high on the court Friday night as the rivals tip off at 8:00 ET on Fox!
Final Thoughts
Six conference games have yet to be played to finish out the regular season for the Michigan Wolverines. May continues to impress fans and media around the world after the worst season in history last year.
“Area 50-1” has been the story of this rejuvenating season under its new head coach. A conference title would shock the college basketball world, but if the Wolverines stay on pace and keep winning the games that matter a title and NCAA tournament berth could be in their sights as March is right around the corner.
