Records
Ohio State 20-8 (12-8), Michigan 20-3 (14-3)
Broadcast, TV, Game Time
Date: Saturday, March 13
Game Time: 1 p.m. EST
Venue: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
Network: CBS
Are you still with us Ohio State basketball fans? I don’t know how much more of this we can take. Both games in the Big Ten Tournament have so far been filled with more drama than a primetime reality show finale, with OSU finding a way to pull both of them out.
Now, it’s on to the next step of the journey in Indianapolis, and this time its against the arch-nemisis and No. 1 seed Michigan Wolverines.
The first time these two met about three weeks ago, the pair staged an epic ballgame that Ohio State fell just short in. It catapulted the Wolverines to the regular-season Big Ten title, and sent the Buckeyes into a four-game tailspin of which it seems to just now be recovering from.
This one is for a spot in the Big Ten Tournament Championship Game, so there are some rather significant things at stake. Let’s dig into everything you need to know about this matchup.
Next … The Ohio State game plan
Ohio State CliffsNotes game plan
Big one today..
1P❌ on CBS pic.twitter.com/icARfIJkha
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) March 13, 2021
Michigan is an awfully difficult team to defend. It can play multiple styles, has several guys that can beat you, and go big or small with lineups. More than that, they have a rim protector and force on offense down on the blocks in Hunter Dickinson.
You have to do your best to pull him out of the lane by taking the man he is guarding and moving him more out on the perimeter. That’s more than likely going to be E.J. Liddell who can hit from the midrange and deep if he’s on. Look for OSU to put Liddell out in space and then spread guys out to look for driving lanes with the big guy unable to clog things up. Then, it’s all about finishing at the tin.
On defense, the same applies. You can pick your poison, but you almost have to bank on doubling and collapsing in the post and allowing some outside shots. If Michigan is hitting those shots, it could be lights out, but if not, and Ohio State can stay out of foul trouble, there’s a chance for the upset.
NEXT … Key Players For Both Teams
Key Player For Ohio State
DUANE WASHINGTON WITH ICE IN HIS VEINS 🥶🥶🥶 pic.twitter.com/KLB9wY8o9l
— Barstool OSU (@BarstoolOSU) March 12, 2021
Guard, Duane Washingon – I look for the gameplan to be one where the Buckeyes are intentional on getting into the lane and looking for contact or easier shots. When Washington has that mindset, the team is much better. He can’t settle for outside jumpers and has to look to create and finish, or dish to where help comes from. It’ll help if he goes off with scoring, but it’ll be even better if he’s getting everyone involved.
Key Player to Know for Michigan
Hunter Dickinson ‘20 named Big Ten Freshman-of-the-Year! @DeMathaHoops pic.twitter.com/YcAiNZC9OQ
— DeMathaHighSchool (@DeMathaCatholic) March 9, 2021
Center, Hunter Dickinson – We’ve touched on it already, but Dickinson makes this team much more dangerous. He’s a load down on the blocks both offensively and defensively. You’re probably not going to shut him down entirely, but if Ohio State can make him run and defend and tire him out a little, maybe he can be neutralized. He leads the team in points (13.9), rebounds (7.6), and blocks (1.4) as a 7-foot, 1-inch freshman.
NEXT … The prediction
How It’ll All Go Down
I’m afraid the run in Indy might come to an end here. Unless Michigan is off its game, with a banged up and tired Ohio State team at this point, it’s going to be extremely difficult to pull this one off. The Wolverines can score from anywhere and are almost immune to significant dry spells barring a bizarre and uncharacteristic shooting game. Look for the Buckeyes to be competitive, but to lose some steam on what has been an emotional ride so far in the Circle City.
Final Score
Michigan 81, Ohio State 72
Line
Michigan -6.5 (Odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook.)
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.
Get ready for March Madness by registering in advance for USA TODAY Sports’ bracket sweepstakes. In the meantime, mobile users can play USA TODAY Sports’ Couchketball virtual hoops challenge – the interactive basketball game where your skills determine the outcome.
Ohio State basketball’s complete history in the Big Ten Tournament
Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion.
