The Ohio State Buckeyes (19-3, 7-2 Big Ten) are back alone on top of the Big Ten after defeating the Michigan Wolverines (16-6, 6-3 Big Ten) 64-49 at Value City Arena in Columbus on Sunday afternoon.
Lenzelle Smith Jr. was the surprise hero of the game for the Buckeyes, as the sophomore guard led the team with 17 points and 12 rebounds, including 8 on the offensive glass.
Ohio State won despite one of the quieter games of the season by Jared Sullinger, who came into the game averaging 17.2 points and 10.2 rebounds and finished with 13 points and 5 rebounds.
The win improves Ohio State to 7-2 in the Big Ten, moving them half a game ahead of the Michigan State Spartans and a full game ahead of Michigan.
The Buckeyes now have some time to rest before gearing up for another important Big Ten showdown against the No. 25 Wisconsin Badgers (17-5, 6-3 Big Ten) on Feb. 4.
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