The Michigan Wolverines edged out the Ohio State Buckeyes in a thrilling Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal, clinching a 71-67 victory. With Aday Mara leading the charge with 17 points, Michigan now sets its sights on a showdown against either Illinois or Wisconsin.
First Half Highlights
The Wolverines wasted no time, jumping to a 7-0 lead thanks to Morez Johnson Jr.'s quick baskets and a three-pointer from Nimari Burnett. Michigan's bench made an immediate impact as Trey McKenney drained a three just after entering the game, and Roddy Gayle Jr. added two free throws. This early surge put Michigan ahead 15-5.
Ohio State, however, wasn't going to stay quiet for long. They responded with a 6-0 run, but McKenney's five consecutive points kept Michigan in control.
Despite a brief cold spell, Michigan's defense shone with two steals and a block, regaining momentum with a Burnett dunk. Elliot Cadeau and Yaxel Lendeborg added some flair, with Lendeborg's posterizing dunk and Mara's inside play extending the lead to 31-21.
Ohio State fought back with a three-pointer from John Mobley Jr., and a series of plays from Brandon Noel and Bruce Thornton cut the lead. McKenney's sharp shooting and a Mara lob kept Michigan ahead, but Ohio State closed the half strong, trimming the lead to four with a buzzer-beater from Thornton.
Halftime Score: Michigan 39, Ohio State 35
Second Half Action
Ohio State came out swinging in the second half, quickly tying the game at 44 with a flurry of points and Michigan turnovers. But the Wolverines answered with a 7-0 run, capitalizing on Ohio State's scoring drought.
Gabe Cupps and Thornton kept Ohio State in the game, with Cupps breaking the drought and Thornton hitting key shots. Mara responded with five points to extend Michigan's lead, but a series of fouls allowed Ohio State to claw back, eventually taking their first lead at 5:40.
Michigan, undeterred, battled back. A goaltending call on Johnson put them ahead again, and as Ohio State struggled offensively, Michigan capitalized. Mara's inside layup and clutch free throws from Cadeau and Lendeborg secured a slim lead.
Despite Ohio State's late chances, their shooting woes persisted, and Michigan held on for the win, 71-67.
Key Performers for Michigan
- C Aday Mara: 17 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks
- G Elliot Cadeau: 15 points, 7 assists, 3 steals
- G Trey McKenney: 12 points, 4 rebounds
- F Morez Johnson Jr.: 11 points, 6 rebounds
Key Performers for Ohio State
- G Bruce Thornton: 44 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists
- F Devin Royal: 13 points, 11 rebounds
- C Christoph Tilly: 8 points, 5 rebounds
- G John Mobley Jr.: 12 points
What’s Next?
The Wolverines are set to face the winner of Illinois vs. Wisconsin in the semifinals on Saturday in Chicago.
Tip-off is at 1 p.m. ET on CBS.
Michigan will look to build on this hard-fought victory as they continue their quest for the Big Ten title.