Overview
- Tipoff is 8 p.m. ET at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor with the game airing on FOX.
- Books list Michigan around -15.5 to -16.5, with KenPom calling it 89–73 and ESPN’s BPI giving Ohio State about an 11% chance.
- Michigan’s frontcourt of Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson and Aday Mara powers an elite two‑point attack and defense that both rank among the nation’s best.
- Ohio State enters 13–5 (5–3 Big Ten) after winning three of four, leaning on Bruce Thornton, John Mobley Jr. and Devin Royal for scoring.
- Rivalry talk escalated with Colin White saying the Buckeyes are “coming out for blood,” Bruce Thornton’s earlier two‑wins vow, and transfer Puff Johnson newly ruled eligible by a Franklin County court.