Michigan vs. Ohio State in ESPN match-up

The stage was set for a national match-up between the University of Michigan Wolverines and the Ohio State Buckeyes this past Saturday night in the newly refurbished Crisler Center.  A sold out crowd took in the game between two nationally ranked teams featured in ESPN's Game Day match up.   The Game Day crew was in Ann Arbor early Saturday morning and then again for an hour long broadcast before the revved up crowd. 

This game would have some big implications in the race for the Big Ten Championship.  The Wolverines did come out full force to stop the #6 Buckeyes in the first half and kept Jared Sullinger in check.  The maized out crowd did its part to keep the Wolverines focused through out the game.  Zac Novak and Stu Douglass provided the leadership to keep the younger Wolverines from getting into foul trouble.  The Maize and Blue played a slowed down game when they needed too to keep the running Buckeyes out of their game. 

The Wolverines went into the locker room with a 25-20 lead to have the Wolverine faithful in a very excited state.  This was the second big home game this season with a sold out crowd.  Michigan was 15 -0 at home so far this season and wanted a badly needed win over the Buckeyes to keep the perfect season in tack.  The men's football team had gone 8-0 at home this year and it would seem that the Wolverines could complete a perfect season if they could get past the Buckeyes. 

Michigan maintained the lead the entire second half in route to a 56-51 victory over the #6 Buckeyes.   With only one home game left against the middle of the road Purdue Boilermakers it looks like the Wolverines can complete a perfect record at home.  Pacing the way for the Wolverines were Trey Burke with 17 points, Tim Hardaway Jr. 13 points and Jordan Morgan with 11 points.   The tough defense limited All-American Jared Sullinger to 14 points and just 4 rebounds.

This victory keeps the Michigan team right in the middle of the Big Ten race.  With all of the league leaders having to play one another over the last two weeks of the season it promises for an exciting finish to the Big Ten season.   Then the always interesting Big Ten Conference Tournament over 4 days  could allow someone to sneak into the NCAA Tournament.   So far the 2012 Michigan Mens Basketball season has been a success.