Ohio State vs. Michigan: Preview, How to Watch & Betting Odds
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What better way to end a slump than in a rivalry game?
The Ohio State Buckeyes (11-11, 3-8 Big Ten) enter play on an abysmal skid in which they've lost eight of their last nine games with their most recent 65-60 loss to Wisconsin Thursday.
This is the first time since 2003-04 that the Buckeyes have had a record of .500 or below in the month of February. That just so happened to also be Jim O'Brien's final season at the helm.
Ohio State will have a chance to right the ship against Michigan (12-10, 6-5 Big Ten) as it will square off against its rival Sunday at the Crisler Center at 1 p.m. on CBS.
It almost feels as if a win against No. 1 Purdue on Jan. 5 would've jump-started a significant string of momentum, but instead, it has left with connectedness faltering on both ends of the floor for the Buckeyes. Since the two-point loss to the Boilermakers, Ohio State has shot 42.3 percent from the floor, a stark contrast to its 49.2 percent clip in its first 13 games of the season.
The Wolverines are coming off a much-needed 68-51 win against Northwestern, as they had lost five of their previous seven prior to Thursday's victory.
Crucial to Michigan's success this season has been the emergence of guard Jett Howard, son of Michigan head coach Juwan Howard. The true freshman missed a game against Purdue with an ankle injury but has come back in the last two to score 21 and eight points against Penn State and Northwestern, respectively.
Michigan center Hunter Dickinson has generally had his way with Ohio State in his three games against it, scoring 21, 22 and 14 points while hauling in eight, nine and seven rebounds, respectively.
In years past, the Buckeyes have had the effort of Kyle Young to help Zed Key and E.J. Liddell in the low post, but matchup issues against opposing big men have been a problem for Ohio State as of late.
In Big Ten play this season, players 6-foot-11 and above that have played at least 25 minutes in games against the Buckeyes have averaged 17.6 points per game.
Ohio State is 4-2 against Michigan in the last six games between the two going back to the 2020 season.
Game Information: Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Wolverines
Date/Time: Sunday, Feb. 5 at 1 p.m. ET
Where: Crisler Center
Betting Via SI Sportsbook:
Moneyline: TBD
Over/Under: TBD
TV/Streaming: CBS, FuboTV
Radio: The Ohio State Sports Network
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