Michigan Basketball Triumphs Over Ohio State: 3 Key Takeaways from a Thrilling Victory
Ohio State came out blazing, draining five three-pointers before the first media timeout. But Michigan answered the call, with Vlad Goldin and Nimari Burnett setting the tone early, scoring the team’s first 14 points. Despite foul trouble plaguing Danny Wolf and Tre Donaldson, only Aaron Bradshaw fouled out for the Buckeyes. In the end, it all came down to the final moments—Bruce Thornton missed a floater, and Rubin Jones secured the victory by dribbling out the clock.
Here are three major takeaways from Michigan’s thrilling win over their archrival.
1. Michigan’s Quad-1 Dominance Strengthens Big Ten Title Hopes
The Wolverines improved to an impressive 7-2 in Quad-1 games, proving they can handle high-stakes battles. Many of their key wins have been nail-biters, won by just a couple of possessions. These hard-fought victories could be the deciding factor in the Big Ten championship race.
A win on Friday against their biggest conference roadblock could put Michigan in pole position for the regular-season title. A two-game cushion with five to play would be a significant advantage. If they continue this momentum, reaching the magic number of 16 wins might be enough to secure the crown. With only two road games remaining, Michigan is in a prime position to take charge of the Big Ten.
2. Ohio State Had No Answer for Michigan’s Big Men
Vlad Goldin and Danny Wolf dominated the paint, tearing apart Ohio State’s defense at Value City Arena. Both players recorded double-doubles, controlling the glass and outmuscling their opponents. Goldin, in particular, had his best game since Michigan’s loss to Oklahoma, while Wolf continued his stellar play.
The game took a turn when Aaron Bradshaw fouled out midway through the second half. Michigan immediately capitalized, with Wolf scoring six of eight points in a crucial stretch. Goldin then gave the Wolverines a two-point lead in the final minute thanks to relentless offensive rebounding.
Michigan’s offense flourished, recording its highest scoring output since defeating Washington last month. Contributions came from all over the roster. Rubin Jones delivered back-to-back strong performances, while Roddy Gayle had a bittersweet homecoming, receiving a sarcastic welcome from the Ohio State crowd.
3. A First-Hand Experience at the Schottenstein Center
This one’s personal. On a whim, I decided to take the three-hour drive to Columbus on Sunday morning. Almost instantly, I regretted it. A surprise blizzard turned the journey into a white-knuckle affair. Thankfully, I left early enough to avoid major disasters and made it to campus with 90 minutes to spare before tipoff.
Expecting hostility from Buckeye fans, I was pleasantly surprised. From my first encounter on campus to the final buzzer, the Ohio State faithful were surprisingly welcoming. While the Michigan-Ohio State football rivalry remains the most intense, the basketball feud—while fierce—lacks the same level of animosity. In truth, Michigan State might be the Wolverines’ bigger basketball rival.
With Michigan now riding a five-game winning streak, the Big Ten title race is heating up. Ohio State may be 15-10, but their No. 28 KenPom ranking shows they’re a formidable opponent. Michigan sits at No. 22, and both teams boast top-30 offenses and defenses.
Looking Ahead: Bold Predictions for Michigan vs. Ohio State
Roddy Gayle Steps Up Gayle has struggled offensively, particularly from three-point range. However, Dusty May’s decision to move him to the bench has allowed him to focus on playmaking. He showed flashes of his scoring ability against Purdue and should continue to make an impact, especially on the defensive end.
Vlad Goldin’s Breakout Game Goldin has shown glimpses of dominance in the Big Ten but has been inconsistent. Ohio State ranks ninth in the conference in blocks and struggles to defend the post. With limited size outside of their lone seven-footer, expect Goldin to exploit the matchup and put up another double-double.
Ohio State Wins the Three-Point Battle Michigan’s recent struggles from deep are concerning. The Buckeyes rank sixth in the Big Ten in three-point shooting, while Michigan’s perimeter defense has been solid, allowing just 31.7% from beyond the arc. Ohio State should have the edge from three, but if Michigan dominates inside, they can still secure the win.
As the season heats up, Michigan is proving itself as a true Big Ten contender. With another win over a tough rival, the Wolverines are inching closer to championship glory.
