A down year in talent and COVID-19 crowd restrictions have probably hurt the college basketball-viewing experience more than most sports, but on Sunday, college hoops fans were finally treated to a classic.
No. 3 Michigan outlasted rival No. 4 Ohio State, 92-87, in a game that had everything fans should look forward to as we head into March. The Wolverines hit 10 threes in the first half, Duane Washington Jr. carried the Buckeyes with 30 points and the game was back-and-forth down to the final four minutes.
But one play is going to have Ohio State fans looking back at the missed opportunity. Really, it was one miscue that swung the game.
😳Isaiah Livers scoops it and scores it for @umichbball! pic.twitter.com/mUyH8Vr3Ga
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) February 21, 2021
With 2:35 left to play and Michigan up by three, Justice Sueing attempted a behind-the-back pass 22-plus feet away from the basket. That pass didn’t going to anyone. Nobody on Ohio State saw the pass until it was too late.
Isaiah Livers eventually won the race to the loose ball and scored (plus the foul) on the other end.
Michigan essentially pulled away after that.
Justice Sueing with a behind-the-back pass nobody saw, and that might turn the game. Oof.
— Adam Jardy (@AdamJardy) February 21, 2021
And sure, it was somewhat of a letdown to see an otherwise classic of a game turn on a laughable mistake. But at least college basketball is finally giving us a great game at the right time. The tournament is four weeks away.
