Ohio State-Michigan final score: Bucks fall to Wolverines

Led by 13 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists from freshman point guard Derrick Walton Jr., the Michigan Wolverines came into Value City Arena and beat the Buckeyes, 70-60.

The Wolverines snapped a nine-game losing streak in Columbus and defeated a Thad Matta Ohio State team for the first time on the road.

Despite 24 points and seven rebounds from junior forward LaQuinton Ross, the Buckeyes faltered once again in the final five minutes of a big game.

The Buckeyes got out to a quick 13-5 lead in the first half spearheaded by hot shooting from LaQuinton Ross. Ross started the game 5/5 from the field for a quick 11 points, most of which came from point blank range. He ended the half with 13 points, only one point away from his seasonal average.

Ohio State dominated Michigan with the dribble drive early in the contest. The Buckeyes scored 16 of their first 17 points in the paint, including another highlight alley-oop slam from junior wing Sam Thompson.

However, the Wolverines were able to hang around with their effort on the offensive glass. Michigan snagged seven offensive boards in the first half to keep the Buckeyes within striking distance.

The Wolverines fell behind by 10 with six minutes to play in the first half, but a three-ball from sophomore guard Nik Stauskas sparked a quick 8-0 run to pull Michigan within two.

Ohio State eventually took just a four-point lead into the halftime break even after thoroughly out playing Michigan on both ends of the floor.

Stauskas opened the second half with a long triple to cut Ohio State's lead to one, but the Buckeyes responded in a big way.

A monster block from Amir Williams led to an open three-ball from Lenzelle Smith and the Buckeyes went on a 7-0 run to stretch their lead to eight.

The Wolverine bench was huge in sparking the Michigan comeback. Freshman guard Nik Irvin came off the bench with 10 huge points, including two three balls.

Michigan's bench outscored Ohio State's bench 18-2.

Derrick Walton's drive and finish at the rim with a circus shot, plus the foul gave capped off a 12-0 Michigan run to give them a 49-43 lead with 9:19 to play in the game

The Wolverines would not relinquish the lead after that.

Ohio State tried desperately to get back in the game. Sam Thompson converted on a run out slam dunk with under four minutes to go that cut the Michigan lead to 56-52.

However, Michigan's super sophomore Glenn Robinson III decided to show up in the most opportune time for the Wolverines. The forward went 3-10 for the game, but he connected on a huge three-ball from the wing to stretch Michigan's lead to seven with 2:54 to play.

Michigan outscored Ohio State 14-8 after that huge bucket and defeated the Buckeyes by 10 after coming into the game as 3.5-point underdogs.

Lenzelle Smith Jr. finished with 11 points and three deep balls for Ohio State in a losing effort.

The Buckeyes next face off against the Illinois Fighting Illini Saturday night at 8 p.m. on BTN.