The Big Ten had two games on Friday night, highlighted by a massive rivalry game between Michigan and Ohio State in Ann Arbor. Indiana also went on the road.
Let’s take a look at what happened.
Game of the Night:
–No. 3 Michigan Wolverines 74, Ohio State Buckeyes 62
Both these teams entered Friday with some momentum. While Michigan fell to Wisconsin earlier in the month, the Wolverines had bounced back and won three straight heading into this one. Ohio State had also overcome some early season struggles and had just beaten UCLA and Minnesota in back-to-back games. That
set the stage for what figured to be a special night in Ann Arbor between rivals.
Fortunately for Wolverine fans, Michigan came to play. Things were uncomfortable for much of the first half, but the team finally found its stride as things moved toward the finish line. Yaxel Lendeborg was the star of the show, finishing with 18 points, nine rebounds, and four assists. Morez Johnson also had 12 points and seven rebounds. Trey McKenney also had 12 points off the bench.
For Michigan, fans obviously had to be thrilled with this one. It’s not only a rivalry win, but it came on the night the program raised former star Trey Burke’s number into the rafters. It was a special moment and certainly would have been cheapened if the team couldn’t finish the job on the court. It also helped keep Michigan keep pace in the Big Ten title race. The team remains a loss behind Nebraska, but will have a huge week coming up with two of the other contenders on the docket. Michigan improved to 18-1 overall and 8-1 in Big Ten play with the win.
On the other side, Ohio State fell to 13-6 overall and 5-4 in Big Ten play with the loss. This was a tough one, particularly because the Bucks led in the second half and had a genuine chance to steal a marquee road win. Instead, the team remains on the NCAA bubble and still in search of a top 25 win.
The Wolverines will now prepare for the Huskers at home on Tuesday. The Bucks will now prepare for Penn State at home on Monday.
The Rest:
–Indiana Hoosiers 82, Rutgers Scarlet Knights 59
The Hoosiers took care of business in this one, cruising past an overmatched Rutgers squad on the road. The game was over well before the final buzzer. Lamar Wilkerson led the way with 27 points and five rebounds. Tucker DeVries also had a nice showing, with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. Indiana’s offense finished with an impressive 1.39 points per possession.
Indiana improved to 13-7 overall and 4-5 in Big Ten play with the win, while Rutgers fell to 9-11 overall and 2-7 in Big Ten play with the loss. The Hoosiers will now prepare for arch-rival Purdue at home on Tuesday. The Scarlet Knights will prepare for Michigan State at home on Tuesday.
