Okay, it’s about to get real as things get close to heading down the home stretch here in college basketball. Ohio State is still looking to get its dancing shoes on, but there’s still work to do. Right now the Buckeyes are solidly in the field, but a less than stellar finish could have them on the outside looking in.
And don’t look now, but staring OSU right in the face is a game against a Michigan team that’s had a season paralleling its own. The Wolverines raced out to a great start and were once in the top five of the country, but fell into a bit of a downward spiral just like Ohio State.
Now the two are set to match up for their only regular-season meeting of the year. The winner continues to add to its resume, but the loser might be looking for more answers on the schedule to bolster the chances of remaining off the proverbial bubble.
How will it all play out?
Records
Ohio State 14-7, (4-6), Michigan 13-8, (4-6)
All-time series record
75-52-1 Ohio State leads
Last meeting
Michigan won 65-49 last season on January 29
Broadcast, TV, Game Time
Date: Tuesday, February 4
Game Time: 7:00 PM
Venue: Crisler Arena, Ann Arbor, MI
Network: ESPN2
Next … The Ohio State Game Plan
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
Key Player For Ohio State
Duane Washington Jr. We already saw it against Indiana. While Washington’s role has been one of a shooter and scorer on the perimeter, he’s been asked to take some of the point duties while D.J. Carton is getting the help he needs off the court. He did pretty well against the Hoosiers, but it’ll need to be a trend rather than a one-game showing.
He has to have a different mindset of bringing the ball up and looking for others rather than shooting off the dribble and allowing run-outs. C.J. Walker is still the main ball-handler, but Washington is the other guy that’s going to get plenty of time there. Most importantly, take care of the basketball.
How It’ll All Go Down
As much as I’d like to think this team has turned it around after two straight wins, it’s a different beast going to Ann Arbor and winning. The Wolverines will be ready with a lathered up crowd to knock off Ohio State in the only meeting this year. If the Buckeyes can pull this one out, it’ll be huge, but I’m just not sure this team is tough enough yet to win one in the type of environment it’s going to see. Look for Michigan to pull away as the game goes on.
Final Score
Michigan 71, Ohio State 64
Line
Coming …
