No. 3 Michigan will look to extend its winning streak to four games on Friday night when it faces Ohio State in a Big Ten game in Ann Arbor, Mich.
Playing for the third time in seven days — including twice on the West Coast — the Wolverines (17-1, 7-1) showed some weariness in their most recent game, an 86-72 win against visiting Indiana on Tuesday.
“We have a 20- to 25-minute stretch out there where we’re playing really, really good basketball,” Michigan guard Nimari Burnett said. “That’s also something we’re very mindful of, staying consistent throughout the game. Whether it’s fatigue, staying focused, we have to have that period where we’re up 20 and take that to 30.”
It was a far from perfect game for the Wolverines, who made only 22 of 33 free-throw attempts and committed 13 turnovers, stats that coach Dusty May knows need to improve against the Buckeyes (13-5, 5-3).
“When you factor in the free throws and things like that, we could have been better,” May said. “But to go across the country and play three games in seven days and get back home, we’ll take it and move on and try to be our absolute best by March, April.”
While the Wolverines are in good shape for the NCAA Tournament, Ohio State could use a win against its rival to improve the Buckeyes’ chances for their first appearance since 2022.
An 82-74 overtime victory over Minnesota on Tuesday served as their second straight win and third in four games, but it wasn’t pretty. The Buckeyes survived scoring droughts of four, five and six minutes and allowed the Golden Gophers runs of 16-2 and 17-2.
“The Big Ten is just a game of runs,” Ohio State guard Bruce Thornton said. “When you play against a high-level team like (Minnesota), they’re going to have a run. So we just had to stay composed and understand what we needed to do.”
Survive and move on. That’s the philosophy of Ohio State coach Jake Diebler.
“I’m proud of the way that our guys responded out of timeouts, executed plays, and then ultimately got the job done,” he said. “So that’s the most important thing, and this is life in the Big Ten.”
The Buckeyes can rely on the steady Thornton, who had 23 points, seven rebounds and four steals vs. the Golden Gophers. Ohio State, however, will need more from forward Amare Bynum, who was held without a point and missed his only shot from the field in 22 minutes.
“He’s a freshman and 18 years old, and sometimes I have to remind myself of that,” Diebler said.
For the Wolverines, Burnett did not put up big numbers in the last game — nine points and six rebounds in 27 minutes — but May said he appreciates what he brings to the team.
“We haven’t asked him to do anything other than just continue to improve and play efficient basketball,” May said. “He’s responded well; his maturity, his professionalism is an A-plus.”
The Wolverines have rebounded from their lone loss on Jan. 10 to Wisconsin, but May is eyeing the big picture.
“We’re not trying to peak right now,” he said. “We’re trying to play really, really good basketball while continuing to work through some struggles and things that go with playing in the Big Ten.”
–Field Level Media
