Ohio State Battles, But No. 3 Michigan Pulls Away Late in Physical Big Ten Clash
Ohio State walked into a hostile Ann Arbor environment Friday night, knowing full well what they were up against - a Michigan team that’s not only one of the best in the Big Ten this season, but one of the most dominant Wolverines squads in the last two decades. The Buckeyes didn’t back down from the challenge, trading blows with the No. 3 team in the country for over 30 minutes. But in the end, Michigan’s depth, size, and timely shot-making proved too much, as the Wolverines pulled away late for a 74-62 win.
Let’s break down how this one unfolded - and why Ohio State, despite the loss, showed plenty of grit in a game that was closer than the final score suggests.
Buckeyes Come Out Swinging
Ohio State came into the game undersized and outmatched on paper, but you wouldn’t have known it from the opening minutes. The Buckeyes were aggressive early, attacking the paint and refusing to settle for perimeter shots. Only two of their first 12 field goal attempts came from beyond the arc - a clear sign they weren’t going to let Michigan’s length dictate the terms.
Roddy Gayle and Aday Mara each came up with big blocks in the opening four minutes, setting a physical tone on both ends. And while Michigan took an early 9-6 lead into the first media timeout, Ohio State didn’t blink. They capitalized on five Wolverine turnovers in the first eight minutes, and a few buckets from Tilly helped them grab a 14-13 lead with under 12 minutes to go in the first half.
One of the early turning points came when John Mobley Jr. got hit with a technical foul after jawing at the Michigan defense following a tough finish inside. But Michigan couldn’t cash in at the line, and the Buckeyes kept their momentum.
Mobley, who was locked in all night, knocked down an off-balance, sideways three to give Ohio State a 17-14 lead - a shot that looked like it belonged in a game of HORSE, not a top-25 Big Ten showdown. He would finish the first half with 14 points, including another wild three off a chaotic inbounds play that saw Devin Royal find him with just seconds left on the shot clock.
Michigan Pushes Back, But Buckeyes Hang Around
The first half was a slugfest. Every possession felt like a chess match, and the Buckeyes controlled the tempo against a Michigan team that ranks ninth nationally in adjusted pace. Ohio State led for more than seven straight minutes before the Wolverines closed the half on a 6-0 run, taking a 33-30 lead into the locker room.
Neither team could find much rhythm from deep - they combined to shoot just 4-for-24 from three in the opening 20 minutes - but Michigan leaned on Yaxel Lendeborg and Morez Johnson Jr., who combined for 17 first-half points.
Still, Ohio State had every reason to feel confident. They were hanging with one of the best teams in the country on the road, despite a clear size disadvantage and limited trips to the free-throw line.
Second Half: Momentum Swings and Missed Opportunities
Ohio State came out of the break firing. A 10-1 run, fueled by threes from Mobley and Tilly, gave the Buckeyes a 40-34 lead and forced Michigan head coach Dusty May to burn a timeout. It felt like a potential turning point - the moment Ohio State might create some real separation.
Instead, it was Michigan who responded.
The Wolverines answered with an 11-0 burst in just over two minutes, flipping the game on its head and reclaiming a 45-40 lead. Trey McKenney capped the run with a three-point play, converting through contact from Colin White - a huge momentum swing that energized the Michigan crowd.
Ohio State refused to go away. Bruce Thornton tied the game at 50 with a pair of free throws - just the team’s second trip to the line all game - and the Buckeyes continued to battle on the offensive glass to stay within striking distance.
But the Wolverines had just a little more in the tank down the stretch.
Key Moments That Tilted the Game
Mobley’s Early Magic:
Mobley’s first-half heroics kept the Buckeyes afloat.
His second three of the night came off a heads-up play by Colin White, who grabbed an offensive board and kicked it out to Mobley for the lead. Then came the wild inbounds play - with just 2.9 seconds on the shot clock, Devin Royal found Mobley, who faked, fell, and somehow buried a sideways triple to push the lead to six.
Big-time shot, big-time confidence.
Roddy Gayle’s Statement Dunk:
With Ohio State up 24-20, Michigan turned defense into offense.
After a Mobley miss, Cason led a 3-on-1 break and lobbed it up to Gayle, who threw down a thunderous dunk over his former teammate, Bruce Thornton. Gayle soaked in the moment, raising his arms to the crowd and igniting the Michigan faithful.
It was a momentum jolt that trimmed the Buckeyes' lead to two.
Technical Turns the Tide:
Ohio State briefly regained the lead on an Ivan Njegovan floater, but a mental lapse by Devin Royal proved costly.
After being warned in the first half for delay of game, Royal touched the ball again after a made basket and was hit with a technical. McKenney hit the free throw to tie it, and Michigan scored on the next possession to take the lead for good.
Lendeborg’s Hustle, Cadeau’s Dagger:
With Michigan clinging to a lead, Will Tschetter missed a corner three - but Lendeborg outworked everyone for the rebound and kicked it out to Cadeau, who drilled his second triple of the night. That shot stretched the lead to 60-51 with 6:30 to play and sent the Michigan crowd into a frenzy.
Final Push, Final Result
Aday Mara, who didn’t have a big night offensively, made his presence felt late. The 7-footer scored six critical points down the stretch, helping Michigan build a 64-56 lead with just over five minutes to play. Ohio State kept scrapping, but the Wolverines were simply too much in the final minutes.
The Buckeyes fall to 13-6 overall and 5-4 in Big Ten play - a tough loss, but not one without positives. They went toe-to-toe with a top-three team on the road, controlled tempo for long stretches, and showed they’re capable of competing with anyone in the conference when they play their style.
For Michigan, it’s another statement win in a season full of them. They were tested, they responded, and they closed. That’s what great teams do.