Ohio State
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#3 Michigan
30-2,19-1Big Ten
Buckeyes Push Top-Seeded Michigan to the Brink, Fall 71-67
3/13/2026 3:49:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Devin Royal scored his 1,000th career point in the game
CHICAGO, Ill. – Ohio State battled until the final seconds but fell just short against top-seeded Michigan, 71-67, in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament on Friday afternoon at the United Center.
Senior Bruce Thornton led the Buckeyes with 20 points while Devin Royal recorded a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Royal’s go-ahead three-pointer in the second half was his 1,000th career point.
John Mobley Jr. added 14 points as Ohio State pushed the Wolverines throughout the second half before Michigan secured the victory in the closing moments.
Ohio State trailed 39-35 at halftime after Michigan jumped out to an early lead. The Wolverines opened the game on a 7-0 run before the Buckeyes gradually chipped away behind strong play from Thornton, who scored 13 points in the opening half, including a floater as time expired to cut the deficit to four at the break.
The Buckeyes came out of halftime with renewed energy. Thornton opened the scoring with a jumper before Mobley connected from three to pull Ohio State within two. Shortly after, Christoph Tilly finished inside to tie the game at 44-44 with 17:22 remaining.
Michigan answered with a run midway through the half, but Ohio State continued to respond. Gabe Cupps provided a spark off the bench with a three-pointer and a layup during a key stretch that helped the Buckeyes stay within striking distance.
The Buckeyes eventually grabbed their first lead of the afternoon when Royal knocked down a three-pointer with 5:40 remaining to give Ohio State a 61-60 advantage.
Michigan regained the lead late behind strong play inside from Aday Mara, but Ohio State continued to battle. Royal brought the Buckeyes within two with a basket with six seconds remaining before the Wolverines sealed the game at the free throw line.
Thornton’s performance also marked a milestone in his Ohio State career. His three-pointer midway through the second half made him the Buckeyes’ all-time leading scorer in the Big Ten Tournament with 164 points in nine games, surpassing William Buford's mark of 161 points.
Ohio State finished with 32 rebounds and 11 assists while holding Michigan to under 46 percent shooting from the field.
Michigan was led by Aday Mara with 17 points and seven rebounds, while Elliot Cadeau added 15 points and seven assists.
Up Next
The Buckeyes won four of their final five games down the stretch and appear to be in great shape to hear their names called on Selection Sunday. The show is at 6 p.m. on CBS. Ohio State is seeking its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2022 and the first under head coach Jake Diebler.
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