The team started the stretch of four games in seven days with a loss at home to Illinois, who was ranked #15 in the nation and one of the top teams in the conference. Despite going down by as many as 15 points in the second half, the Wolverines would fight back and get as close as 2 points with 2 minutes remaining in the game but would eventually lose 93-85 to the Fighting Illini.
The Michigan State Spartans would travel to Ann Arbor on Tuesday for a rematch in which Michigan State won the first time around. This time there would be different results as the Wolverines started strong, jumping out to a 23-11 lead in the first 7 minutes of the game and never looking back. Michigan would lead by as many as 22 points in the second half and would eventually win 87-70 over their in-state rivals.
On Thursday, Michigan hosted Iowa at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor. With it being the last home game of the season and senior night, the Wolverines hoped to finish with a win for Eli Brooks, Brandon Johns Jr, DeVante’ Jones, and the other members of the senior class. However the Hawkeyes would get revenge on Michigan’s win in Iowa City back in February, beating the Wolverines this time by 11 points, 82-71.
Yesterday, Michigan went into Columbus, OH needing a victory to boost their resume for the NCAA Tournament. Playing without their all Big Ten Center Hunter Dickinson due to a stomach ailment and Head Coach Juwan Howard serving his final game suspension, they did just that, beating Ohio State 75-69 and spoiling the Buckeyes Senior Day.
Moussa Diabate stepped up early, asserting himself and being a presence in Dickinson’s absence. Diabate gave Michigan the first points of the game and then added two more on a long jump shot for Michigan’s first two baskets. Michigan and Ohio State traded baskets and lead changes for much of the first half before the Buckeyes went on an 8-2 run to close out the half with a 7 point lead (37-30). Terrance Williams was a big spark off the bench for Michigan shooting 3-4 from behind the three point arc and finishing with 11 points in the first half.
The Wolverines started the second half with the first four points to cut the Buckeyes lead to three, 34-37. Then there was a momentum shift as a couple plays later, Brooks made a three point basket on a Jones steal to tie the game (39-39). The Wolverines would take a two point lead on back to back Jones three pointers at the 14 minute mark in the second half, and then use a 25-7 run to go up by 11 points in the game. Later, Michigan would see a 12 point lead after Brooks, who was fouled on a three point attempt, made all three of his free throws. The Buckeyes would come back, cutting the lead to 4 points with just under 2 minutes left but Freshman Kobe Bufkin buried a three point FG to widen the lead back up to 7 points (69-62).
Michigan would win 75-69 on the road and improve to 17-13 overall, 13-9 in the Big Ten as they head to the Big Ten Conference Tournament. DeVante’ Jones was the Unsung Hero for the Maize and Blue against Ohio State. The 5th year Senior transfer had 19 points and 8 assists.
About Post Author
