5 takeaways: Michigan basketball vs. Ohio State in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals

Michigan basketball fell to Ohio State in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals. Here are our five takeaways.

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Michigan basketball managed to come back from a 12-point deficit vs. Maryland to win by 13, but, in a way, the Wolverines lost.

Senior captain, forward Isaiah Livers suffered a stress injury in his right foot, which precludes him for the foreseeable slate, including Saturday’s tilt against rival Ohio State in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals.

The Buckeyes were likewise shorthanded, with starter Kyle Young out with a concussion he sustained in the last game.

So how would Michigan fare now that it’s shorthanded?

This game, in a way, was similar to the last time these two teams met, just with the opposite trajectory. Last meeting, it was an offensive explosion from both sides. This time, the offenses were lacking, but the defensive body blows continued to be a theme between the two.

But where Michigan’s offense remained stagnant, Ohio State’s came alive in the second half. The Wolverines couldn’t seem to hit from the field as the Buckeyes managed enough of a run to create just a little separation.

The shorthanded Wolverines were down by double digits and seemed unlikely to win. But behind a late run, Michigan pulled within 1. But it wasn’t enough as it fell to Ohio State, 68-67, in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals.

Here are our five takeaways.