INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana — When Michigan (20-4) and Ohio State (21-8) met in the regular season, they lit up the scoreboard. Michigan pulled out a 92-87 win in February in an elite offensive showing from two top teams. However, their seasons have taken turns in the past couple of weeks. For OSU, the loss marked the beginning of a 4-game losing streak to drop them off the top seed line. For Michigan, they went on to win the Big Ten regular-season championship. However, they lost 2 of their last 3 games in the Big Ten.
On Saturday, OSU led by as many as 13 as they jumped ahead of Michigan. Slowly, Michigan climbed back in the game; down the stretch, they trimmed the lead all the way to 1 with the final possession. Point guard Mike Smith took a ball screen and got center EJ Liddell switched on him. He got an open step-back jumper with 5 seconds left but was off the target as time expired on the 68-67 OSU win.
With the game on the line, Michigan turned to the senior point guard for the final shot rather than pushing the ball to the rim. After the game, coach Juwan Howard said he drew up the play and got the exact shot they wanted.
“if you recall, we had a timeout after we scored. That was a play I drew up for a timeout because I knew that we were going to get a stop at the other end and we did,” said Howard.
For OSU, Duane Washington Jr. had another big game against Michigan. In the first game, he had a career-high scoring night with 30 points. In this game, he had his second-highest point total of the season with 24 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. He was on fire from downtown, draining 5 of 10 from behind-the-arc. He hit 4 of those in the second half, helping build the lead for OSU.
OSU will now face the 2nd seed Illinois for a chance at a Big Ten Tournament Championship. Those teams split their regular-season series, with OSU winning back in January and Illinois taking the matchup in March. For Michigan, they will now await Selection Sunday to find out their opponent in the NCAA Tournament. Even with the loss, they are still expected to receive a 1-seed.
Michigan loses Livers indefinitely
Early Saturday morning, Michigan announced that senior forward Isaiah Livers is out indefinitely. An MRI following the win against Maryland showed a stress fracture in his foot. Livers is Michigan’s 2nd highest scorer on the season, so his absence will be tough to deal with during the tournament. After the game, he was asked whether he reflected on the fact that his Michigan career might be over.
“Very emotional evening for me and my family. And my teammates, my brothers. You could just kind of tell and I can tell by just walking on it now, that thought did cross my mind,” said Livers.
Unfortunately for Michigan, they will need to find a new starter at the 4-spot. Brandon Johns Jr. started in his place today and provided decent minutes; he finished with 7 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists. However, the scoring role that Livers brought will be tough to fill. Franz Wagner, Michigan’s third-highest scorer, was effective early but fouled out late in the 2nd half. He finished with just 8 points.
Hunter Dickinson, the Big Ten freshman of the year, finished with 21 points and 8 rebounds. His play will need to be at its highest if Michigan wishes to compete for a championship. Even with the injuries, Dickinson believes this team can do something special.
“I think I would be lying if (I said) not every player in that locker room fully believes that we are the best team in the country and that we will win the National Championship,” said Dickinson.
Up Next
OSU vs. Illinois, Sunday, March 14, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
