The Michigan Wolverines have slowed down the top three players of the Ohio State Buckeyes in a showdown between teams battling for Big Ten supremacy, but the Buckeyes still lead 24-21 at halftime at Value City Arena in Columbus.

Jared Sullinger has yet to put his imprint on the game, as he goes to the halftime break with just 5 points and 1 rebound, while Deshaun Thomas (4 points, 1-5 shooting) and William Buford (3 points, 1-4 shooting) have also been quieted. Lenzelle Smith Jr. has surprisingly taken the spotlight for Ohio State so far, with 9 points and 7 rebounds.

Jordan Morgan leads the Wolverines with 6 points on 3-4 shooting, while Zack Novak is off to a rough start, scoreless and 0-3 from the field, in what has become a defensive battle.

Michigan and Ohio State share the conference lead with the Michigan State Spartans, with all three teams sporting 6-2 records.

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