- Matchup: Ohio State Buckeyes vs Michigan Wolverines
- Date: Friday, January 23, 2026
- Venue: Crisler Center, Ann Arbor, MI
- Broadcast: ESPN+
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The Ohio State Buckeyes, with a record of 12-5, are set to visit Crisler Center this Friday to face off against the Michigan Wolverines, currently boasting a 16-1 record.
In their latest outing, the Ohio State Buckeyes secured a victory over Minnesota, finishing with a score of 82-74. They showcased a solid performance with a field goal percentage of 47.7% (31 out of 65 attempts) and drilled 7 of 24 attempts from beyond the arc. At the free-throw line, the Buckeyes made good on 13 of their 18 attempts, translating to a percentage of 72.2%. Rebounding proved crucial, as they recorded 37 boards, 10 of which were offensive. Additionally, they tallied 10 assists while forcing their opponents into 7 turnovers and collecting 6 steals. Defensively, Ohio State held Minnesota to a 39.7% shooting rate (23 of 58). Minnesota did manage to dish out 13 assists and claimed 30 rebounds (8 offensive and 22 defensive) without securing any blocks. The Golden Gophers made 80% of their free-throw attempts (20 of 25) and achieved 8 of 28 from three-point territory. In terms of fouls, Ohio State committed 20, while Minnesota had 19.
John Mobley Jr. stood out as a key player in this matchup, scoring 26 points on 9 of 19 shooting, playing 43 minutes, and grabbing 3 rebounds. He finished with a field goal percentage of 47.4% and recorded 2 assists.
With a current season record of 12-5, Ohio State averages 83.3 points per game, ranking 70th nationally, while shooting 49.9% from the field. They also hit 34.3% from three-point range, connecting on 134 of 391 tries, and maintain a free-throw success rate of 79.1%. As a team, the Buckeyes are pulling down 36.6 rebounds per game and have accumulated 274 assists this season, positioning them 151st in collegiate basketball for passing accuracy. However, they are turning the ball over 10.9 times per game and are committing an average of 17.5 fouls each outing.
Defensively, the Buckeyes are forcing an average of 10.8 turnovers per game while drawing 19.8 fouls. They allow opponents to shoot 30.0% from three-point range and rank 137th in points allowed per game, giving up 72.1. Their overall defensive field goal percentage stands at 41.8% (428 of 1,025), and they concede 31.3 rebounds per game as a collective unit. Ohio State ranks 82nd in Division 1 for assists surrendered, having allowed 220 so far this season.
In their previous matchup, the Michigan Wolverines emerged victorious with an 86-72 win against Indiana. They allowed Indiana to capture 22 rebounds overall (5 offensive). Michigan hit 32.4% of their shots from deep by making 11 out of 34 attempts and converted 15 of 18 free throws (83.3%). Defensively, they allowed Indiana to achieve a shooting percentage of 40.4% (23 out of 57). The Wolverines achieved a field goal shooting percentage of 50.9%, hitting 27 out of 53 attempts. They also nailed 10 out of 25 three-point attempts for 40.0%. Indiana’s 24 fouls allowed the Wolverines to attempt 33 free throws. The Wolverines had a strong showing with 29 defensive rebounds and 11 offensive rebounds, totaling 40 boards for the game.
Elliot Cadeau played a significant role for Michigan, scoring 19 points on 5 of 11 shooting (45.5% field goal percentage) in just 29 minutes, accompanied by 4 rebounds and 1 assist.
The Wolverines currently hold a record of 16-1 this season. On average, they commit 16.3 fouls per game and convert 72.9% of their free throw attempts. Their offense averages 19.7 assists per game, ranking 7th nationally, while turning the ball over 12.2 times per game. Michigan has scored a total of 1,582 points (93.1 per game) and secured 42.8 rebounds each contest. Their shooting percentage stands at 51.7%, placing them 8th in the nation for shooting accuracy.
Defensively, Michigan permits opponents to shoot 30.1% from three (141 of 469) and allows 71.1% at the free-throw line. They allow an average of 9.7 assists and 33.6 rebounds per game, ranking them 6th and 124th nationally respectively. Michigan’s defense ranks 62nd in points allowed, with an average surrender of 68.8 points per game. They force opponents into 13.0 turnovers each game and limit foes to a 36.0% shooting percentage from the field (2nd in college basketball).
Who will claim victory in tonight’s NCAA matchup against the spread?
Prediction: Back Ohio State
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