Ohio State vs. Michigan: 2019-20 college basketball game preview, TV schedule

The classic rivalry hits the hardwood for the first time this year as Ohio State comes into Michigan this Tuesday. Who will pull out the win?

Who: Ohio State Buckeyes (14-7, 4-6) vs. Michigan Wolverines (13-8, 4-6)

When: Tuesday, February 4th at 7:00 PM ET

Where: Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, MI

TV Schedule: ESPN2

If this matchup was earlier in the year it would’ve been a potential game of the year as the two teams started the season on fire. But after both teams climbed within the top-5 at the beginning of this season, it has been rough going since. Both teams have been struggling as of late but still have plenty of time to recover their seasons. Both schools still have fantastic resumes (Ohio State Kenpom: 12, Michigan Kenpom: 28) and winning this huge rivalry game will really help turn either team around. The rivalry within this matchup will only add to the upcoming fireworks of this game.

Michigan won their matchup against the Buckeyes last season, by double-digits. They’ve lost a lot of talent, and a coach, since then. But, new head coach Juwan Howard has this year’s Wolverines playing solid basketball. Zavier Simpson, and his unbelievable hook shot-layup type-thing (you know what I’m talking about if you’ve seen him play), is a tough defender and great leader. Jon Teske is a solid big man who leads the team in points per game and second-leading scorer Isiah Livers recently returned from injury to add another punch to Michigan’s scoring.

Speaking of Teske, his matchup down low with Ohio State’s star big man Kaleb Wesson will be the key to the game. The two players both can rebound, block shots, and stretch the floor. Wesson is stronger than Teske and should be able to power through him, but Teske’s length makes it tough to score on him no matter how close you can get to the basket.

Wesson got the better of Teske in their matchup last year. Wesson finished with 12 points, seven boards, and three blocks while Teske only put up four points and five boards.  However, both players have matured this year and this round should be a wild one, with a little bit of BBQ chicken in the post here and there.

Another key matchup to watch in this rivalry game is between point guards Zavier Simpson and Duane Washington Jr. Washington was just a freshman coming off the bench during the meeting of the two teams last year, but he is now the backcourt leader for the Buckeyes this season. Second on the team in points with 11.2 ppg, Washington will need to step up against the tough defensive presence that is Zavier Simpson. The sophomore Buckeye may be explosive, but the senior Simpson is a tough, experienced defender who doesn’t give any space to the ball handler.

You can’t talk about a Big Ten conference game this year and not talk about homecourt advantage it seems. No team in the conference currently has a winning record on the road, and only four teams have a .500 record away from home. Ohio State is no different as they have a 2-4 record in true road games and only one conference road win against Northwestern, which as I’ve said before doesn’t really count this season. However, the Buckeye’s other road win was a 74-49 thrashing of UNC on their home court, with a (essentially) fully healthy Cole Anthony too. Additionally, the Wolverines are only 2-2 in Ann Arbor in conference play and have lost two straight on their home court.

Overall this game should be a heated one with two rivals facing off with their seasons on the brink. Both schools scored a little momentum too recently as both the Buckeyes and Wolverines recently won tough games against Indiana and Rutgers respectively. With matchups to watch for all over the court, a historic rivalry, and a packed house, this one should be a tight back and forth with tons of energy.

Final Prediction: Ohio State – 63, Michigan – 61