The Buckeyes (13-6, 8-4 Big Ten), won the second game in three after rebounding from Wednesday's 66-64 defeat at Rutgers. Ohio State had already lost four of five previous road games.
Chris Holtmann, Ohio State coach, said that it was a "great road win." "We did a gut punch the other night. Although I wasn't sure if we would win, I knew that we would respond in the right way due to the leadership of this group.
Eli Brooks scored 17 points, while Hunter Dickinson had 14, and Michigan won 7-6 (7-10, 7-6).
Juwan Howard, Michigan coach, said that fatigue is a must especially when you're playing three-on-five nights. We're not going to make excuses for the way that the schedule was presented to us. Although we had the chance to win, Ohio deserves credit. They played well, with energy and toughness.
Halftime was 33-30 for the Buckeyes, but they pulled ahead in the second half.
Liddell said, "I tell everyone to stay prepared," referring to Russell, who was on the bench. "Everybody is going to have their big moments and we're going need everyone down the stretch."
Ohio State made 50% of its shots from the floor, while Michigan managed 42.1%. However, Michigan outrebounded Ohio State 31-25.
Brooks became the 56th Michigan basketball player to reach 1,000 career points by scoring a layup during the second half.
Ohio State: The Buckeyes may remain at No. 16 in the poll for a second week.
Michigan: A strong finish or a great showing in conference tournament tournament are required to be eligible for the NCAA tournament.
Halftime saw Michigan honor Rudy Tomjanovich (an ex-player and coach) who was a long-time NBA player. Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame for 2020, he was the Wolverine's first inductee. ... This was the first game of the season between the rivals. They will be playing again at Ohio State on March 6. ... Six of the eight Buckeyes' last eight home games are at Ohio State, where they are undefeated (10-0).
UP NEXT
Ohio State hosts Minnesota on Tuesday
Michigan: Iowa on Thursday
