Ohio State
13-6,5-4Big Ten
#3 Michigan
18-1,8-1Big Ten
Buckeyes Battle but Fall 74-62 at No. 3 Michigan
1/23/2026 11:12:00 PM | Men's Basketball
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Ohio State battled tough but came up short in a 74–62 loss to third-ranked Michigan on Friday night at the Crisler Center.
The Buckeyes fall to 13–6 overall and 5–4 in conference play, while the Wolverines improve to 18–1 and 8–1 in the Big Ten.
John Mobley Jr. led Ohio State with 22 points, connecting on four three-pointers to pace the Buckeyes offensively. Christoph Tilly added 17 points while Bruce Thornton finished with 10 points and a team-high nine rebounds.
Ohio State remained within striking distance for much of the game, trailing just 33–30 at halftime in a tightly contested first half that featured multiple lead changes. The Buckeyes briefly grabbed momentum early in the second half, building a 40–34 lead behind three-pointers from Mobley Jr. and Tilly.
Michigan responded with physical play and control of the glass, gradually taking control of the game. The Wolverines capitalized on second-chance opportunities and multiple trips to the free-throw line, turning rebounds and interior scoring into a run that erased Ohio State’s lead and pushed the margin to double figures.
Despite timely baskets from Mobley Jr. and interior scoring from Tilly, Ohio State was unable to slow Michigan’s momentum down the stretch. The Wolverines closed the game with control on both ends, outscoring the Buckeyes 15-6 over the final four minutes to secure the win.
Michigan was led by Yaxel Lendeborg, who posted 18 points and nine rebounds, while Morez Johnson Jr. added 12 points on a perfect 6-for-6 shooting night.
Ohio State finished the night shooting 40.7 percent overall and went 8-of-27 from three-point range. The Wolverines held a 36–27 edge on the glass and scored 23 second-chance points.
Up Next
The Buckeyes return home and have a quick turnaround as they host Penn State on Monday night at the Schottenstein Center. This will be the first of two meetings between the teams. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. and the game will be televised on FS1.
#GoBucks
