Michigan preparing for heightened physicality and stakes in rivalry clash with Ohio State
Every game in the Big Ten is naturally physical. And Sunday’s upcoming matchup between the No. 20 Michigan men’s basketball team and Ohio State is likely to bring even more physicality in the latest rendition of the rivalry.
The physicality of the conference has made all of the Wolverines’ games feel like deja vu. The Wolverines have played nearly every team close, and for the most part, have come out on top. In seven of Michigan’s last eight games, the contest has been decided by four points or less — with the Wolverines coming out on top every time except for one.
Additionally, in Michigan’s first four losses, it fell by a combined difference of eight points, before losing by 27 points in its fifth loss against then-No. 11 Purdue. So against the Buckeyes, where the Wolverines can expect another tight one, they will have to make the winning plays down the stretch to tip the scale in their favor once more.
“Ultimately it’s got to get through to your players that the physicality, that’s what’s needed to win in games in the Big Ten, certainly on the road,” Michigan assistant coach Justin Joyner said Friday. “… Every night you’re going against teams that pride themselves on physicality. … The hard things win games. Your ability to be really tough, to have great composure, your ability to rebound the ball and do the things that kind of stuff that helps you win games.”
Aside from the physical nature of a rivalry game, what the Wolverines are most excited about is the added stakes on top of the typical grudge match.
“There’s very few rivalries that match this one: the Ohio State-Michigan (rivalry),” Joyner said. “… But for us it’s just another game. We’re playing for a lot and we’ve earned the right to play for a lot. There’s a lot at stake and we respect the rivalry … but at the same time, it’s really about us going on the road and winning a game.”
For the Buckeyes, this certainly won’t be any other game. Sitting in the middle of the Big Ten at eighth place and 7-7 in conference play, Ohio State is looking for a statement win — and what better way to do it than against its rivals who stand atop the league standings.
Buckeyes point guard Bruce Thornton leads Ohio State’s offense with his play-making and hard penetrations to the cup. With Thurnton, guards John Mobley Jr. and Micah Parrish create a formidable backcourt that can punish opponents in a multitude of ways.
Thornton ranks eighth in the conference in both points per game and assists per game with 17.3 and 4.3, respectively. Both Mobley and Parrish average over 10 points per game with Mobley shooting a blistering 42.3% from deep and Parrish using his 6-foot-6 frame to lock down some of his opponent’s top threats.
