As we approach the midpoint of the conference season, the stakes are rising in the Big Ten, where a single loss can be the difference between a top seed and a precarious position on the bubble. This Thursday, the Crisler Center will play host to a pivotal matchup that will have real consequences for the NCAA Tournament. With Michigan, boasting a stellar 17-1 record and a NET ranking of 1, firmly on the top-16 seed line, they'll look to solidify their position against a solid Ohio State team that's currently sitting comfortably in the tournament field.
The Wolverines, riding a three-game win streak, have been nearly unbeatable, with a quad record that's nothing short of impressive, including a 4-0 mark in Quad 1 games. Their opponent, Ohio State, has had its share of struggles against top-tier competition, with a 1-4 record in Quad 1 matchups. However, the Buckeyes have been solid in Quad 2 and 3 games, which has helped them maintain a solid tournament resume. A win on the road against a top-ranked team like Michigan would be a significant boost to their profile, particularly given that this game is classified as a Quad 1 opportunity for the Buckeyes and a Quad 2 game for the Wolverines.
CHD Scout Prediction
Ohio State
73
Michigan
85
According to the CHD Scout prediction, Michigan is expected to come out on top, with a predicted margin of 10.8 points and an 83.4% win probability. While Ohio State has shown flashes of brilliance, their inconsistency against top opponents raises concerns about their ability to pull off the upset. With no notable player momentum to speak of, it's likely that the Buckeyes will rely on their overall team cohesion to try and take down the Wolverines.
Given the talent disparity and Michigan's impressive home record, it's hard to envision a scenario where Ohio State emerges victorious. The Wolverines' ability to dominate on both ends of the floor, combined with their significant advantage in terms of NET ranking and quad record, makes them the clear favorite in this matchup. I predict Michigan will win this game by a margin of around 12 points, as their depth and talent ultimately prove too much for the Buckeyes to handle. The Wolverines want to assert their dominance and further cement their position as one of the top teams in the nation, while Ohio State will aim to pull off a monumental upset and bolster their tournament credentials.