WHEN: 4:30 PM
WHERE: Crisler Arena. Ann Arbor, Michigan
TV: Big Ten Network (Greg Kelser, Tom Hamilton)
Matchup to Watch: Thad Matta versus John Beilein.
I know your wondering "what the heck is Chris talking about, Matta versus Beilein". Well that will be the matchup to watch because these two teams are mirror images. Michigan holds the edge in the frontcourt where Deshawn Sims is a offensive threat that will pose problems for Ohio State. As if Sims isnt enough to handle, the Bucks will also have to contend with possible Big Ten POY candidate Manny Harris who is a similar player to Evan Turner. Harris is a do it all guy and he is pouring in 19 a game along with 7 rebs and 5 assist. Michigan will surround these two players with 3 point shooters and shoot the Wolverines will, almost 50% of there shots are from behind the arc. The problem for Michigan is that they are only connecting on 29% of those 3 balls. Ohio State will need to throw a variety of matchups at the Wolverines mainly to bottle up Harris and Sims, they will definitely need to be careful to not let the supporting players make big shots. Ohio State does have the size and skill advantage on the wings. The Buckeyes will need to be very efficient in the half court set today as the Wolverines employ a type of game that is at a slow methodical pace and they use a princeton style of offense with lots of backcuts. I am looking for William Buford to have a good game today. David Lighty will also be critical. Most importanly for Ohio State they will need to take care of the ball better than they did on thursday if they are going to get a win today. Another plus for Ohio State is that there is rumblings around the college basketball world that Evan Turner's rehab is going well and that he could be ready for the 1/09 matchup against the Gophers. The Buckeyes match up against the Hoosiers on Wednesday and a win today and against the Hoosiers combined with the return of the villian will put the Bucks in great shape. That being said i look for Ohio State to be more efficient today and beat Michigan 57-50. GO BUCKS!!!!!!!!!
