In a five-game losing streak, Michigan defeats Ohio State.
January 15: On Monday in Big Ten play at Ann Arbor, Michigan, Michigan defeated Ohio State 73-65 behind 20 points from Olivier Nkamhoua, who helped the team snap a five-game losing run.
Terrance Williams II and Dug McDaniel both scored 18 and 15 points for the Wolverines (7-10, 2-4 Big Ten), respectively.
In the 64-57 loss at Maryland on Thursday, McDaniel—who leads the Wolverines in scoring (17.8) and assists (5.1)—came back into the starting lineup following the first game of a six-game, road-only ban for academic concerns.
The Buckeyes (12-5, 2-4), who have lost three straight, were led by Bruce Thornton with 19 points. Felix Okpara scored ten points, and Roddy Gayle Jr. scored twelve.
Since January 1, 2023, a period of 13 games, Ohio State has not prevailed in a real road game.
The Buckeyes shot a wobbly 3 of 25 from 3-point range, while Michigan made 12 of their 23 attempts.
With 33 seconds remaining, Williams made a 3-pointer to make it 72-65 and seal the victory.
With 12 minutes remaining, Thornton’s 3-pointer gave Ohio State a 59-56 lead after Okpara’s close-to-the-bucket baskets gave Michigan its largest lead, 55-43, after Williams drained a 3-pointer off the transition.
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The Wolverines were about to blow a 12-point halftime lead over Maryland, but Nkamhoua’s jumper and Nimari Burnett’s three-pointer put an end to the Buckeyes’ surge. Suddenly, the Wolverines were up 60-59.
With 3:37 remaining, Williams’ 3-point attempt rocked the rim before missing, giving Michigan a 65-61 advantage.
With a late rally, the Wolverines led 37–28 at the half. McDaniel’s 3-pointer at the buzzer further increased the gap in the teams’ long-range shooting performance.
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In the first half, Michigan made 7 of 11 (33.6 percent) 3-pointers, while the Buckeyes only made 1 of 14 (7.1), with Thornton making one of his five attempts.
The Wolverines made two early runs to gain the upper hand. They led 19–15 after a 6-0 run, then 29–19 after McDaniel’s three to cap eight consecutive points.
