Michigan Pulls Away Late to Top Ohio State, 74–62 | Big Week Ahead in Big Ten Race
Michigan–Ohio State will always carry a rivalry buzz, even if most fans still associate that edge with November Saturdays rather than winter nights. But on Friday evening at Crisler Center, this one felt every bit like it mattered — because it did. With the Wolverines sitting firmly in the Big Ten title hunt, Michigan delivered a poised, physical 74–62 win over the Buckeyes, turning a tight, tense first half into a decisive second-half statement.
The win pushed Michigan to 18–1 overall and 8–1 in Big Ten play, keeping them locked into second place and setting the stage for what may be the most consequential week of the season.
From Tug-of-War to Separation
For 20 minutes, this was exactly the grinder you’d expect. Ohio State hung around, Michigan missed some early looks, and neither side could create real separation. The Wolverines led just 33–30 at halftime, and the game felt like it could swing on a few possessions either way.
Then Michigan flipped the script.
The Wolverines controlled the second half by winning the areas that usually decide games in this league — points in the paint (36–24), rebounding (36–27), and defensive stops when it mattered most. Ohio State simply couldn’t handle Michigan’s size and discipline inside, and once the Wolverines began stringing together stops, the offense followed.
Michigan shot 52% from the field, compared to 41% for Ohio State, and used a steady diet of interior scoring to wear the Buckeyes down. It wasn’t flashy — it was authoritative.
Lendeborg Sets the Tone
If there was any doubt who the engine of this team is, Yaxel Lendeborg erased it.
The versatile forward delivered another all-around gem, finishing with 18 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. More importantly, he dictated the game’s physical tone. When Ohio State tried to speed things up, Lendeborg slowed it down. When Michigan needed a bucket inside, he delivered. When the Buckeyes threatened a run, he shut the door.
This was one of those games where the stat line tells part of the story — the rest shows up in control, poise, and leadership.
Help Arrives from Every Direction
Michigan didn’t win this game on one player alone — this was balance.
- Morez Johnson Jr. was flawless inside, scoring 12 points on 6-for-6 shooting, giving Ohio State absolutely no margin for error near the rim.
- Aday Mara added 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 blocks, altering shots even when he didn’t record a stat.
- Trey McKenney chipped in 12 points, continuing to show maturity beyond his years in big moments.
The Wolverines also finished with 16 assists, moved the ball with purpose, and forced Ohio State into tougher shots late in the clock. That’s winning basketball.
A Moment That Mattered: Trey Burke’s Jersey Rises
Friday night wasn’t just about the present — it honored the past.
At halftime, Michigan officially retired the jersey of Trey Burke, the heartbeat of the 2013 Final Four team and one of the most electrifying guards in program history. The Crisler Center was packed, emotional, and loud — exactly as it should be.
Burke’s presence mattered. Not just symbolically, but contextually. This current Michigan team plays with some of the same traits Burke embodied: toughness, intelligence, confidence, and belief that games are won through execution — not panic.
For a program that understands its history, this was a reminder of what Michigan basketball looks like when it’s right.
Stat Capsule 📊
Score: Michigan 74, Ohio State 62
🏀 Team Control
- FG%: Michigan 52% | OSU 41%
- Rebounds: Michigan 36 | OSU 27
- Points in Paint: Michigan 36 | OSU 24
🙌🏽 Players Who Drove It
- Yaxel Lendeborg: 18 pts, 9 reb, 4 ast, 3 stl
- Morez Johnson Jr.: 12 pts (6-6 FG)
- Trey McKenney: 12 pts
🔥 Game Flow
- Largest Lead: Michigan by 15
- Michigan led 61% of game time
- Second-half separation sealed it
What Comes Next: No Breathing Room
Now comes the stretch that defines the season.
- Tuesday vs. Nebraska (20–0, 9–0 Big Ten) — at Crisler
First place is on the line. Win this, and Michigan is right there. - Friday at Michigan State — Breslin Center
Rivalry. Road game. Nothing easy.
This isn’t just about rankings — it’s about positioning, confidence, and proving Michigan belongs in the national title conversation.
🤔One Question Before the Next Tip
Can Michigan handle size, pace, and pressure in back-to-back heavyweight matchups — or does the Big Ten crown still run through someone else?
We’re about to find out.
Drop a comment below ,or join the conversation in the Wolverine Wire — where fans break down every game, every angle.
Info gathered from team reports, pressers & trusted media outlets — the way we always do it at Mitten Sports Talk.
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