The Ohio State basketball team got a game that could prove to be extremely important in the Big Ten race on Saturday. In front of a frenzied “blue-out” crowd up in Ann Arbor vs. Michigan, OSU was able to extend a three-point halftime lead into a modest one that it never relinquished in the second half, winning 68-57.
The Wolverines stayed close throughout the game but could never really put on a significant run to threaten Ohio State. In fact, the Buckeye never trailed in the second half. They played solid defense, did the job on the boards, and played strong down the stretch against a Michigan team that seemed to be putting it all together.
Liddell was fantastic for the Buckeyes once again, notching a double-double with 27 points and ten rebounds. He also had three key blocks and was perfect at the line, nailing 11-of-11 free throws that kept the Wolverines from going on a spurt. The game was won at the free-throw line with OSU making 16-of-18 free throws to Michigan’s 5-of-6.
The other scorer in double figures for OSU was guard Cedric Russell who came off the bench to contribute 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting. No other Buckeye finished with more than seven points, though the wealth was spread around with eight players getting on the board.
This NEVER gets old#Team123 pic.twitter.com/dB8RppyJAq
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) February 13, 2022
With the win, Ohio State improves its overall record to 15-6, and conference record to 8-4, just one game out of first place in the loss column. It was a big win that keeps the Buckeyes right there as we head down the stretch in the race for a conference crown. For Michigan, the loss is a huge hit to its postseason hopes.
That has to feel good for OSU fans still stinging from the braggadocious attitudes of the Michigan fans, brass, and players after finally beating Ohio State in football after nearly a decade this fall.
Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes, and opinion. Follow Phil Harrison on Twitter.
Let us know your thoughts, comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.