COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Michigan Wolverines faced a challenging journey down to Ohio State amid a looming snowstorm, but they overcame this and other obstacles to secure a thrilling 86-83 victory against their archrival.
The game featured former OSU player Roddy Gayle Jr., who was met with loud boos from the Ohio State crowd, yet he and the No. 17 Wolverines remained composed throughout the match. Gayle made a crucial layup to break a tie late in the game, which propelled Michigan to their sixth consecutive victory in tightly contested matches.
Vlad Goldin was instrumental in the win, contributing 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Danny Wolf added significant support with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists. The Wolverines’ physical play was evident as they out-rebounded the Buckeyes 46-31, which translated to a notable 21-12 advantage in second-chance points.
Michigan’s strong performance in the paint was highlighted by a 46-34 scoring edge, and the team was effective from beyond the arc, hitting seven three-pointers throughout the game. The Buckeyes were led by Devin Royal, who scored 26 points, with Bruce Thornton and John Mobley Jr. providing additional support with 17 and 16 points, respectively.
With this victory, the Wolverines have reached 20 wins in a season for the 32nd time in their history, marking the first instance of achieving this since the 2020-21 season when they finished at 23-5 overall.
The Wolverines will look to continue their momentum as they host No. 11 Michigan State next Friday, a matchup that promises to be a competitive clash between the top teams in the Big Ten Conference.
Summary: Michigan secured a victory against Ohio State to improve to 20-5 on the season, with key contributions from Roddy Gayle Jr., Vlad Goldin, and Danny Wolf. The Wolverines showcased their physical play, out-rebounding the Buckeyes and capitalizing on second-chance opportunities. Next up, they will face rival Michigan State in what shapes up to be an exciting matchup in the Big Ten. This win not only highlights Michigan’s resilience but also sets the stage for an important rivalry game, promising more excitement in the weeks to come.