Michigan holds on for key win over Ohio State
by Mark Snyder, USA TODAY Sports
Trey Burke got his redemption.
After struggling in the clutch offensive moments, he won tonight’s game where few expect – on defense.
Michigan’s preseason All-America guard blocked Ohio State guard Aaron Craft with 10 seconds remaining in overtime, getting the ball back.
Then, after Glenn Robinson III hit a free throw and Tim Hardaway Jr. had another block on Craft at the buzzer, the No. 3 Wolverines had their statement victory of the season, defeating the No. 10 Buckeyes, 76-74 in overtime.
They had avenged their first loss of the season, they had held their home court and stuck it to their rival, which had owned them in the past decade.
It was hard-earned. Every time U-M would climb back with a highlight, the Buckeyes had an answer. Until overtime came and the Wolverines got their chance to show their will, riding Hardaway’s 23 points as the Wolverines set a season high with 14 three-pointers.
U-M improved to 21-2 and 8-2 in the Big Ten while OSU fell to 17-5, 7-3 in the teams’ final regular season matchup.
Michigan had its chance to win the game in regulation, with the game tied at 72 and the ball in Trey Burke’s hands. But he killed the clock and took a three-pointer that missed, forcing overtime. Late in overtime with the chance to pad the lead, Craft stripped him, setting up his Burke’s heroics at the other end.
Though Burke is considered by many as the best point guard in the country, he has struggled more against the Buckeyes in his career than any other opponent yet played a strong 16-point, eight assist game.
Plus the Columbus native got his second career win over his hometown school.
It ensured U-M still hasn’t lost consecutive regular season games since 2010-11, improved its home court standing to 29-1 the past two seasons and 14-0 this season and handed coach John Beilein a wonderful win on his 60th birthday.
Michigan fought back most of the second half, and finally was rewarded when the Wolverines made a pair of defensive plays, leading to a Burke dunk and a Nik Stauskas three to take a 65-64 lead with … [For more on Michigan Wolverines hold on for key win over Ohio State Buckeyes, click here.]
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