The No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes clinched the Big Ten regular season title after a thrilling 72-68 victory over their rivals, the No. 12 Michigan Wolverines, in front of a packed crowd at Value City Arena. This victory, marked by a mixture of high-octane offense and gritty defense, sent shockwaves through the Big Ten and reaffirmed Ohio State’s claim as one of the top teams in the country.
This triumph also sealed Ohio State’s place as the regular-season champion of the Big Ten, securing their first such title in over a decade and providing a significant boost as they head into the postseason. Ohio State’s path to the championship was paved with excellent individual performances, a rock-solid team defense, and the leadership of head coach Chris Holtmann. But, as is often the case in these high-profile matchups, it was the intensity of the rivalry and the narrative that shaped the contest, with both teams battling not just for a conference title, but for pride, tradition, and national prestige.
A Rivalry Rekindled
Ohio State vs. Michigan—there are few rivalries in college basketball that are as fierce, as passionate, or as deeply ingrained in the culture of college sports. It goes beyond the wins and losses. It’s a battle for dominance within the state of Ohio and the entire Midwest. When these two teams meet, the atmosphere is electric, and anything can happen. In this particular game, the stakes could not have been higher. Michigan, ranked No. 12 in the country, was one of the hottest teams in the Big Ten and had every intention of securing their own piece of the Big Ten title. A win would have kept them in contention, but Ohio State, led by their senior leaders, had other ideas.
Chris Holtmann, in his sixth season as Ohio State’s head coach, has consistently brought the program to new heights, and this game was no exception. He had instilled a sense of urgency in his players, emphasizing the importance of winning their final home game to solidify their conference championship.
Meanwhile, Michigan, led by head coach Juwan Howard, came into the contest with a high-flying offense and a defense that had been one of the top units in the league. With stars like Hunter Dickinson and Jett Howard leading the charge, the Wolverines were poised for a deep run in the tournament, but a win on the road in Columbus would give them an even stronger case for seeding.
First Half: A Battle of Wills
The game began with a frenetic pace as both teams exchanged early blows. Michigan came out hot, using their offensive firepower to put pressure on Ohio State’s defense. Hunter Dickinson, one of the premier centers in the country, dominated early in the paint, scoring with ease and grabbing key rebounds. His ability to draw fouls and finish at the rim was a major concern for Ohio State early on.
However, Ohio State had their own dynamic playmakers. Senior guard, and Big Ten Player of the Year candidate, Brice Sensabaugh, was a standout in the first half. Sensabaugh’s combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ was on full display as he scored both inside and from beyond the arc. His 3-point shooting was particularly lethal, as he knocked down several key shots to keep the Buckeyes in the game. Sensabaugh’s offensive efficiency was a crucial factor in Ohio State staying within striking distance of Michigan, even as the Wolverines had a slight edge in the early minutes.
Ohio State’s defense also started to find its rhythm as the first half wore on. Michigan had been efficient offensively, but the Buckeyes slowly turned up the intensity, limiting Michigan’s offensive flow. Freshman forward, Roddy Gayle Jr., came off the bench and provided a spark, locking down Michigan’s perimeter players and forcing several turnovers. His defense helped to disrupt Michigan’s fast break opportunities, and his energy was contagious.
By the time the first half came to a close, Ohio State held a slim 38-36 lead, with both teams playing at a high level. The first half set the stage for what was sure to be an exhilarating second half, with both squads knowing the importance of the game.
Second Half: The Tension Builds
The second half opened with even more intensity. Michigan, clearly determined to reclaim the lead, came out strong. Jett Howard, the talented freshman forward, made an immediate impact by hitting a pair of 3-pointers to put Michigan up by four. His shooting and ability to stretch the floor were significant threats to Ohio State’s defense, and the Buckeyes had to adjust quickly.
Ohio State responded with the leadership of their point guard, Justice Sueing. Sueing, known for his versatility, played an instrumental role in orchestrating Ohio State’s offense, particularly in the second half. He repeatedly found his teammates in rhythm, including key dishes to Sensabaugh and Gayle. Sueing’s court vision was exceptional, and his poise in the final stretch of the game helped Ohio State maintain control despite Michigan’s run.
As the clock wound down, the tension in the arena was palpable. Both teams exchanged crucial buckets, with each possession feeling like it could determine the outcome of the game. Michigan’s defense, which had been one of the best in the Big Ten all season, began to show signs of vulnerability as Ohio State’s offense found its rhythm. The Buckeyes knocked down timely 3-pointers, including one from Sueing, and continued to pound the ball inside, where Michigan struggled to match up with the physicality of Ohio State’s frontcourt.
The game became a back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading blows. With under five minutes to go, Michigan managed to take a 66-64 lead after a tough jumper from Dickinson. The Wolverines’ bench erupted, and the crowd at Value City Arena fell silent. But the Buckeyes, led by their seniors and the rock-solid leadership of Chris Holtmann, were unfazed.
With the game on the line, Ohio State’s defense dug in. Michigan had a chance to extend their lead, but Ohio State forced a critical turnover as Hunter Dickinson fumbled the ball while trying to back down his defender. That was the turning point. The Buckeyes quickly capitalized, and Sensabaugh, who had been a consistent scoring threat all game, drained a 3-pointer to give Ohio State a 67-66 lead with just over two minutes remaining.
From that point on, Ohio State’s defense held firm. Michigan had a few chances to take the lead in the final minute, but a combination of missed shots and timely defensive stops from the Buckeyes prevented them from converting. The Wolverines had no answers for the defensive pressure, and Ohio State’s offense remained efficient enough to hold off any further challenges.
With 30 seconds left, Michigan found themselves trailing by three points. The Wolverines had a final opportunity to tie the game, but a last-ditch 3-point attempt by Jett Howard was off the mark. Ohio State grabbed the rebound, and Sensabaugh calmly sank two free throws to seal the 72-68 victory.
Ohio State’s Championship Moment
As the buzzer sounded, Ohio State erupted in celebration. The Buckeyes had secured the Big Ten regular-season championship, and their victory over Michigan was a perfect culmination of a season that had seen them rise to prominence in the college basketball landscape. The win not only gave them the coveted conference title, but it also affirmed their status as a legitimate contender in the NCAA Tournament.
For Ohio State, the victory was a testament to their resilience, teamwork, and determination. Chris Holtmann, who has been instrumental in building the program into a perennial contender, was understandably emotional in the postgame press conference. He praised his players for their composure and the way they had handled the pressure of such a high-stakes game. “This was a team effort,” Holtmann said. “Our guys fought from start to finish, and they showed the heart and toughness that defines Ohio State basketball. This win is a credit to all of them.”
For Brice Sensabaugh, the Big Ten Player of the Year candidate, the game was another statement performance in what has been a breakout season. Sensabaugh finished with 22 points and 8 rebounds, including several clutch shots down the stretch. His leadership on both ends of the floor was a major factor in Ohio State’s ability to close out the game.
The victory also marked a special moment for the senior class, who had endured the ups and downs of college basketball to bring Ohio State back to the top of the Big Ten. Players like Justice Sueing and Zed Key, who have been staples of the program for years, were instrumental in leading the team through the adversity of the season and into this championship moment.
Looking Ahead: The Road to the NCAA Tournament
With the Big Ten regular-season championship in hand, Ohio State now turns its attention to the postseason. The Buckeyes’ victory over Michigan not only secured their place in the NCAA Tournament but also positioned them for a strong run in March Madness. Their win showed that they are a well-rounded, battle-tested team capable of competing with the best.
Ohio State will head into the Big Ten Tournament with momentum, having knocked off one of their most formidable rivals. But there’s still work to be done. The Buckeyes will need to continue to build on their defensive intensity and offensive cohesion if they hope to make a deep run in the tournament.
For Michigan, the loss was a hard pill to swallow, but the Wolverines are still a dangerous team. They will need to regroup and focus on getting back to the drawing board, but they remain a major threat in both the Big Ten Tournament and the NCAA Tournament.
In the end, though, it was Ohio State’s night, as the Buckeyes celebrated not just a victory, but the culmination of a season of hard work, resilience, and excellence. For the first time in a long while, Ohio State was back at the top of the Big Ten, and they had done it by defeating their archrivals in one of the most exciting games of the season.
