Michigan was coming in hot against Ohio State, winning 9 of 12 and playing their best ball of the year. But their Big Ten Tourney run is over after Jared Sullinger and John Diebler were just too much, as Ohio State topped Michigan 68-61.
The Wolverines played tough the whole first half. They played Sullinger well, but John Diebler had a big first half with 12 points, scoring inside and from deep. Michigan’s offense was balanced with 5 different players scoring and Darius Morris leading the way 9 points. Michigan trailed 31-27 at the half.
To start the second half, the Buckeye’s pushed the lead to 11 with 16:00 left, but Michigan would counter with a fantastic run, lead by Morris. He scored 7 straight points to bring Michigan within 6. Tim Hardaway Jr. finished off the run with seven points of his own, as the Wolverines cut the lead to 2 points with 9:53 left.
Unfortunately, the Wolverines went cold, shooting 0-9 from the field over the next 5 minutes. Over that stretch, Ohio State was able to push the lead to 18, which was ultimately too much for the Wolverines to recover from.
Though being down 63-45 with 4:30 left, Michigan had one more run in them. Zack Novak and Evan Smotrycz had two 3’s a piece, as Smotrycz’s last 3 pointer brought Michigan within 4 with 21 seconds left. But the rally would come up short as Smotryzc’s 3 missed with the Wolverines down 5 and the Buckeyes were able to pull out the victory.
Ohio State (31-2) will move on to the Big Ten Championship Game, as expected. Sullinger ended up with 14 points and 13 rebounds. Buford chipped in with 14 points as Diebler finished with 16.
The Buckeyes have one of the best inside players in the nation in Sullinger and a bunch of good, solid players like senior David Lighty, William Buford and John Diebler who make them hard to defend. They have probably been the most consistent team in college basketball this season. There is no doubt they are one of the best teams in the country and have a real good shot at winning the whole thing.
As for Michigan (20-13) Darius Morris led the team in scoring with 16 points as Tim Hardaway Jr added 15. Evan Smotrycz also contributed 9. This was the 3rd loss to Ohio State this season, but the young Michigan team knows that they can play with anybody. Michigan played the Buckeye’s very tough in all three games this year and took another potential 1 seed Kansas to overtime. There is no doubt that Michigan is young, but they have shown their not afraid of anybody and they will be coming at you until the buzzer sounds.
I think Michigan has confidence and ability to win some games in the tournament this year and don’t be surprised if they do. They have 2 NBA caliber players with Morris and Hardaway, plus a bunch of good shooters and they’re all playing with a tremendous amount of confidence. If Michigan can shoot well from 3 in the tournament, I don’t see why they can’t win 2 or 3 games. They know they can play with anybody, but will they be able to play well on the biggest of all stages. I guess we’ll see…
Photos: Sullinger/Associated Press
Hardaway/Associated Press
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