Michigan Basketball: 3 predictions for Wolverines against Ohio State

Ohio State’s mediocre offense is in for a big test

Ohio State may be only 3-5 in the Big Ten, but the Buckeyes are better than most people think, as they rank 38th in the NET rankings and 31st according to Kenpom. Ohio State, according to the Kenpom rankings, ranks 54th on offensive efficiency and 20th defensively. Michigan basketball, on the other hand, is No. 1 in terms of defensive efficiency and 28th on offense.

While Ohio State has some decent offensive numbers, it also fails to rank inside the top 100 in a single offensive category. Kaleb Wesson, a 6-foot-9 forward, who averages over 14 a game is a key scorer inside for the Buckeyes and he will have to tango with Jon Teske, the best defensive big man in the Big Ten.

C.J. Jackson also scores 12 PPG and he will go head-to-head with Zavier Simpson for most of the night, giving Ohio State a pair of tough matchups for their two best scorers. Luther Muhammad, who just went off for 31 in the win over Nebraska is another name to watch, along with Andre Wesson, who should be battling Ignas Brazdeikis and Isaiah Livers most of the night.

For the season, Ohio State averages 74 per game and in conference play, that average has dipped to 69. The Buckeyes were able to beat Nebraska in part because of a dominant effort on the boards, a tremendous defensive effort and Muhammad’s 31 points. But against the Michigan defense, it’s hard to see the Buckeyes getting to 70, let alone 60.

The Wolverines have the No. 1 defense in the country for a reason and tonight, they will remind Michigan basketball fans why.