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Michigan Basketball: 2018-19 keys for the Wolverines against Ohio State

By Adam Childs

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 22: Isaiah Livers #4 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates a second half basket while playing the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Crisler Arena on January 22, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 59-57. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 22: Isaiah Livers #4 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates a second half basket while playing the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Crisler Arena on January 22, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 59-57. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 22: Head coach John Beilein of the Michigan Wolverines along with the coaching staff wore shirts commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. while playing the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Crisler Arena on January 22, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 59-57. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 22: Head coach John Beilein of the Michigan Wolverines along with the coaching staff wore shirts commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. while playing the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Crisler Arena on January 22, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 59-57. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

After a mini-slump Michigan Basketball got the ball rolling again at Indiana on Friday night. Can they continue the good play when they host hated rival Ohio State on Tuesday night?

Matchup: Ohio State Buckeyes (13-6, 3-5 Big Ten) at Michigan Wolverines (19-1, 8-1 Big Ten)

Date and time: Tuesday, Jan. 29 at 9:00 p.m. ET

TV schedule: ESPN2

Location: Crisler Center, Ann Arbor, MI

Michigan Basketball responded nicely Friday night to questions about their team after their mini two-game slump. After losing their first game on the road against Wisconsin and needing a last-second shot to beat Minnesota at home, the Wolverines jumped all over the Hoosiers. Michigan would jump out to a 17-0 lead and only gave up 18 points to Indiana in the first half.

Indiana would close the gap to just nine points in the second half, but the Wolverines would respond with a big three-pointer and never looked back as they finished off an impressive 23 point win. Michigan’s defense again shined as they only gave up 46 points for the game and limited Romeo Langford to just nine points on 3-12 shooting.

Even with the offense struggling for Michigan at times this year, the defense has always been tough. Indiana did not shoot well on Friday but the Wolverines’ constant pressure made it tough for the Hoosiers to get clean looks.

The Wolverines will look to continue that pressure when they host an Ohio State coming off a big win against Nebraska over the weekend. Before that win, the Buckeyes had lost five in a row after starting the season 12-1. The Buckeyes have been struggling but they will come into Ann Arbor desperate for a big win. Ohio State needs this win to help their tournament resume.

Anything can happen when it is a rivalry game and Michigan needs to be ready to play. We take a look at three keys for the Wolverines to get a big win and keep pace with Michigan State in the Big Ten.

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