By Michael Moore
Michigan spoiled Ohio State’s senior day by scoring 75-69 to win at the Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio.
Losing a player like Hunter Dickinson can be a crucial loss, but the Michigan team applied stifling defense all game causing turnovers that Michigan would convert into points. Michigan associate head coach Phil Martelli stated that “he did not know Hunter Dickinson wouldn’t be able to go until he came down to the film room at 9:20” just hours before the 12:30 tip-off against Ohio State. Dickinson was dealing with a stomach ailment.
Devante Jones carried the load on offense for the Wolverines scoring 21 points while dishing out nine assists. Terrence Williams scored 14 points off the bench, Eli Brooks, and Moussa Diabate with an identical stat line of 14 points and seven rebounds.
The sold-out Schottenstein Center was loud and rowdy, trying to help rally their team to a win. The Buckeyes led at the half 37-30 and seemingly had the game under control. Star forward E.J. Liddell stated, “we did not come out with the same energy as the first half.” the Buckeyes were outscored 45-32 in the second half with 13 turnovers (11 steals). Malaki Branham had a team-high of 18 points, Liddell contributed a 16-point, 13 rebounds double-double, Justin Ahrens finished with 12 points.
