Ohio State
21-8,12-8Big Te
Michigan (B1G Tournament) **
20-4,14-3Big Te
Ohio State Tops Michigan; Is Big Ten Tournament Title Game Bound
3/13/2021 4:08:59 PM | Men's Basketball
INDIANAPOLIS – Fifth-seeded Ohio State (21-8) ousted top-seeded Michigan (21-4) in the semifinals of the Big Ten Tournament, 68-67, to punch their ticket to tomorrow’s championship game, where they will face Illinois.
The Buckeyes won their third game in three days at Lucas Oil Stadium thanks to a defensive stop of the game’s final possession. Michigan’s Mike Smith missed a jump shot with time winding down. The rebounded was batted around as time expired, helping Ohio State avenge a regular season loss to the Wolverines in February.
So. Much. Fun. pic.twitter.com/TiHlQ510u0
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) March 13, 2021
For the Scarlet and Gray, Duane Washington Jr. and E.J. Liddell were the key cogs on offense. Washington finished the 24 points on 9-of-20 shooting while Liddell added 18 points. Hunter Dickinson led Michigan with 21 points and eight rebounds.
Ohio State entered the lockerroom at the break down 27-26 despite shooting 10-of-33 from the field. The Buckeyes were able to stay close by knocking down 6-of-13 from 3-point range. Five Buckeyes connected from deep in the first half with Justice Sueing hitting a pair. Justin Ahrens, Liddell, Washington Jr. and Seth Towns each made one.
Michigan shot 30 percent as well (8-27) but was 9-of-10 at the foul line.
Washington Jr. reached 1,000 career points with the first bucket of the game. He is the 59th player all-time to reach 1,000 career points at Ohio State.
1000 career points pic.twitter.com/FszNxwVppp
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) March 13, 2021
