When Michigan and Ohio State meet on the football field, it’s a national event. But don’t sleep on the basketball version of The Game-because while the hardwood may not carry the same pageantry, the rivalry burns just as hot. And tomorrow night in Columbus, things might get even spicier.
The No. 3 Michigan Wolverines roll into this one with a 17-1 overall record and a 7-1 mark in Big Ten play.
They’ve looked every bit the part of a national contender so far this season. On the other side, Ohio State enters at 13-5 overall and 5-3 in conference, and while the Buckeyes haven’t quite hit that elite tier, they’ve shown flashes.
Still, Michigan is the clear favorite-even on the road.
But if there’s one thing that can level the playing field in a rivalry game, it’s emotion. And Ohio State sophomore forward Colin White just gave Michigan a little extra bulletin board material.
When asked about the matchup, White didn’t hold back: “We hate Michigan, so we’re coming out for blood,” he said. “We’re going up there to win, and we’re going to have fun doing it.”
Now, here’s the thing-White hasn’t exactly been a central figure in Ohio State’s rotation. He’s started just one game in his two years with the Buckeyes and is averaging 0.8 points per game this season.
But stats aside, rivalries have a way of bringing out the bravado. And White’s comments, while light-hearted on the surface, are sure to echo through Michigan’s locker room.
The Wolverines don’t need much extra motivation, but they just got some. They’re already one of the most explosive offensive teams in the country, averaging 92.7 points per game. Ohio State’s scoring has been solid at 83.2 per contest, but Michigan’s firepower and depth have separated them from most of the Big Ten this year.
The last time Ohio State got the better of Michigan was nearly two years ago, when the Buckeyes stunned the Wolverines 84-61. That was then. This is a different Michigan team, led by head coach Dusty May, and they’ve got their eyes on much bigger things than just bragging rights.
But make no mistake-rivalry games are rarely just about the numbers. They’re about pride, emotion, and sometimes, a little bit of trash talk. Colin White’s comments may not shift the odds, but they’ve certainly added another layer of intrigue to what was already a must-watch matchup.
Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET on Friday, Jan. 23, with the game airing on FOX. Get ready for a charged atmosphere in Columbus-because when Michigan and Ohio State share a court, anything can happen.