Ohio State-Michigan score update: OSU leads at half

Ohio State exploded out of the gates to build a quick lead against arch rival Michigan and though their offense got away from them some as the Wolverines began to come back, the Buckeyes head into the half with the lead.

The Buckeyes' early edge in the paint and fast break points alike coupled with their best in conference perimeter defense helped them mitigate a typically potent Michigan offense. In stark contrast from the struggles that plagued Thad Matta's side throughout January, OSU played loose and confident and though Michigan's conference body of work has been stronger overall, the Bucks looked like the better team early on.

With LaQuinton Ross pacing the OSU offense as per usual (he was particularly hot early), the Buckeyes need to try and pick up the intensity as an underachieving offensively Michigan team regresses to the mean in the second half as they did to close the half.

KEY STATS:

– LaQuinton Ross: 13 points, 3 boards, 5/8 from the field

– Nik Stauskas: 8 points, 2/6 shooting

– OSU Off Eff 105.6, UM 96.3

– Ohio State eFG% 50%, UM 39.3%