Michigan falls to #1 Buckeyes 62-53

By: Joe White (iSportsWeb.com) -

The Michigan Wolverines (13-10, 3-7) lost a hard fought game to the #1 Ohio State Buckeyes (23-0, 10-0) by a final score of 62-53. There is no shame in the Wolverines effort tonight even though a win would have been an absolutely huge momentum boost for Michigan’s stretch run.

Michigan overcame a hot start by the Buckeyes to take a 3 point lead into halftime. However, an icy stretch of shooting in the 2nd half, combined with Ohio State’s 5-headed attack was too much for Michigan to overcome.

The Buckeyes took the ball straight at the Wolverines in the second stanza and it showed in the box score. Michigan committed 22 fouls to OSU’s 11. Ohio State shot 25 free throws while Michigan hoisted just 4 freebies.

Freshman Aaron Craft spent a good portion of the night frustrating Michigan’s star point guard Darius Morris. Darius had 12 points, 4 boards, and 4 assists but was forced into an uncharacteristically high 6 turnovers on the night. Craft finished with 8 points and an impressive 4 steals.

Tim Hardaway, Jr. led Michigan with 15 points as he has now scored in double digits in 8 of his last 9 games. Michigan could have used a better night from their junior 6th man Stu Douglass. Stu launched 12 shots, connecting just 3 times and often looking bad in the process. He also had 4 fouls and 2 turnovers.

Ohio State did a tremendous job shutting out Zack Novak. The 6’4’’ junior came into play burning the nets in every Big 10 venue he’s seen. Tonight, he managed just three shots and made one for a disappointing three point night.

Freshman sensation Jared Sullinger had a monster night for OSU with 19 points and 16 rebounds.

The Buckeyes continue their historic march toward unbeaten season. Very few teams over the course of the last few decades have carried a perfect season past the end of January.

Michigan will need to regroup quickly as a much better than usual Penn State team awaits them Sunday afternoon in Happy Valley for a high noon tipoff.