No. 6 Ohio State never led vs. No. 19 Michigan on Saturday night at Crisler Arena, where the Wolverines are now a perfect 16-0 this season. Michigan, who lost to the Buckeyes on January 29 in Columbus, walked away with a 56-51 win to move into a tie for second place in the Big Ten standings, just half a game behind the first place Michigan State Spartans.
The Buckeyes wasted Deshaun Thomas' 25 points and 14 rebounds in the loss by turning the ball over 12 times opposite Michigan's eight and shooting just 39-percent as a team. Ohio State was also held to their lowest scoring half this season (20 in the first half).
Ohio State was able to get Jared Sullinger going in the second half, but Michigan's strong first half in keeping Sullinger in check proved to be the difference. Sullinger finished with 14 points after notching just four in the first half.
Trey Burke led the Wolverines with 17 points and five assists. Tim Hardaway Jr. added 13 points on 4-for-5 shooting.
Ohio State, losers of two of their last three, will look to bounce back on Tuesday against Illinois.
With first place in the Big Ten still very wide open and ESPN College Gameday on hand, the first half between No. 6 Ohio State and No. 19 Michigan lines viewers up for a remarkable, low-scoring finish. After 20 minutes, Michigan is leading the Buckeyes 25-20. 20 is the lowest scoring first half of the season for OSU (their previous low came on January 29 against this same Michigan team.)
Michigan jumped out to a quick 6-0 lead before Ohio State got on the scoreboard, and that fast start was the difference in the first half.
Ohio State has done a horrible job of getting their best player involved; Jared Sullinger was just 2-for-6 with four points in the first half. Ohio State could also benefit from a three-pointer, as they'll take an 0-for-9 mark into the second.
Michigan forced seven turnovers and their guards, Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr., were able to take advantage of the Buckeyes after Aaron Craft went out with two fouls. Burke and Hardaway Jr. each scored a team-high seven points.
Ohio State is being led by Deshaun Thomas, who has a game-high eight points on 4-for-7 shooting.
