The Ohio State Buckeyes have the chance to stay hot and take down the Michigan Wolverines as they continue their quest at making a Big Ten Tournament run.
It's not hyperbole to say that the Ohio State Buckeyes are one of the hottest teams in College Basketball right now.
They are on a four-game win streak in which they probably had to win three of those games. Their backs were firmly against the wall, and they answered the bell at every single stop.
Now, they turn their attention to one of the best teams in the country, their arch-rival, the Michigan Wolverines.
The Wolverines are obviously already punched into the Big Dance as a likely one seed, but they have no interest in losing to their rival.
For Ohio State, on the other hand, they want nothing more than to take down the Wolverines. Ohio State went from the wrong side of the bubble to a team that is probably an eight or nine seed.
If they beat Michigan, how much higher can they go? Is it crazy to say that they might jump to a six seed? What about a fifth? The sky is the limit if they keep winning.
Although they have been rolling, this will not be an easy feat. The Wolverines are one of the top teams in college basketball, and they are good at every level of the court. They can score at the bucket, they have guards that create shots, they defend, but if there is one area that they struggle with, it is shooting the three-pointer.
They are inconsistent from beyond the arc, and when they have slipped up this year, it is because they have struggled from distance.
So, how do the Buckeyes pull off the upset?
Stylistically, these two play very similar games to each other. Neither group is going to major in an up-tempo attack. They each want to slow the game down and win in the half-court.
If Ohio State chooses to play that style, they must be shooting the ball well from the outside. That's everyone, not just Bruce Thornton. John Mobley Jr, Amare Bynum, and Devil Royal all need to be on.
Then, on defense, the Buckeyes must pack the paint and play inside out. Don't let the Wolverines create shots near the bucket. Force them to get downhill and kick for threes.
If the Wolverines are getting to the bucket with ease, then it could be a long day for the Buckeyes. If Ohio State is able to bow up and force them to be shooters, then they will have a chance.
It will be a fun one in Chicago! The Ohio State Buckeyes and the Michigan Wolverines, for the right to advance to the Big Ten semifinal, take the court on Friday at 12:00 pm EST.
Buckeye Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Ohio State Buckeyes. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.