Ohio State vs. Michigan basketball final thoughts
- Believe it or not, this is the first time in the history of this rivalry that both have met while inside the top five in the country. Remarkable really when you consider the elite teams both have had at various times in their history.
- Juwan Howard. He is 0-2 against Ohio State and would love nothing more than to get his first win against the Buckeyes.
- The football team gets gold pants with a win over Michigan annually. Did you know that Chris Holtmann started the same tradition, but with gold basketball jersey charms with a sweep over TTUN? It all began last year, so that’s on the line today.
- The winner remains on the inside track with Illinois for conference supremacy. Remember though, Michigan has a lot of games to make up. We’ll see how that goes.
- In an era where the elite one-and-done athletes move the needle with the power programs of college basketball, it’s pretty unique that two teams that are a collection of interchangeable parts, without a one-and-done, are among the country’s best.
- Michigan has a 7-foot, 2-inch presence on the blocks in Hunter Dickinson. He could be a problem on the boards and on both ends of the floor. It’s going to be interesting to see how Ohio State deals with that.
- Is it just me, or has Duane Washington played at a high level with his decision-making and all-around floor game the last few times out? The Buckeyes are such a better team when he’s playing within himself.
- The early lines on this one favored Ohio State, but just close to game time, things have moved more towards Michigan. It’s still tight though.
- Michigan has great spacing with the guards out on the perimeter. The Buckeyes have to be disciplined, communicate, and then look to help with dribble drives and close-outs on the defensive end.
- Both teams are highly efficient on the offensive end, but it’s an area Ohio State has the advantage in. The Buckeyes are No. 7 in the country, and Michigan is No. 16.
- Defensively though, Michigan has the edge. That means OSU has to match the intensity in guarding folks in this one. The offense alone won’t win it. Not against this squad.
- Likewise for crashing the boards. Ohio State has to limit second shots and win the rebounding battle.
- Ditto for turnovers.
All right. Let’s get it on! Enjoy the game
In reflection: The last ten Ohio State vs. Michigan basketball games
Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion.
Download the USA TODAY SportsWire app to follow Buckeyes Wire and your other favorite teams in the Apple Store for iPhones and Google Play for Android devices.