#3 Michigan Holds off #4 Ohio State in Big Ten Basketball

Everyone knows about the big college football rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan, but the rivalry between the two Big Ten schools on the basketball court is pretty intense too, especially in years when both teams are highly ranked. This is one of those years.

On February 21st, #4 Ohio State (18-4, 12-4 in the Big Ten) hosted #3 Michigan (15-1, 10-1). The game was pretty well even throughout, as one would expect between teams ranked side by side. Michigan led by two at halftime, and survived several lead changes in the second half, taking a nine point lead at 88-79 with 23 seconds left. But then OSU stormed back, and pulled to within three at 91-87 on a Duane Washington, Jr. three pointer with five seconds left. Washington then fouled Eli Brooks, who made a pair of free throws to ice the game and the Wolverines had a 92-87 win over the Buckeyes.

Michigan’s only loss this season was a 75-57 defeat at then #23 Minnesota on January 16th. But the Wolverines have a couple of tough matchups coming up. They host #9 Iowa on February 25th, are at Indiana on February 27th, and the host #5 Illinois on March 2nd.