Ohio State vs. Michigan 2019 basketball game preview and prediction

Ohio State hits the road again, this time to take on arch-rival Michigan. We’ve got the preview and prediction of what’s going to happen.

Ohio State cliff notes game plan

Why mess with a good thing? The last couple of games have looked like the template Ohio State needs to win, especially without key member D.J. Carton unavailable for now. Against Northwestern and Indiana, the Buckeyes spread things out. They looked for Kaleb Wesson early, then when that was taken away, they would penetrate and move the ball around the perimeter looking the best opportunity. It worked. OSU has to share the basketball in a more free-flowing offense than some of the earlier half-court slogs it got into during January.

Defensively, OSU might be looking in the mirror. Michigan will also look to penetrate and get to the rim, but it has shown the ability to have a balanced offense. You really have to guard the perimeter rather than collapsing too much and hope that you can keep track of the shooters on the outside. But, it all starts with guard Zavier Simpson. He’ll probe, penetrate and dish better than anyone in the league. Cut the head of the snake off somehow and rotate defenders on him, and you have a chance on the road.

Next … Key Player And Prediction