Michigan Basketball: Eli Brooks update, odds for Ohio State rematch

Michigan basketball will face Ohio State for the second time this season and here’s an update on Eli Brooks as well as odds for the Wolverines.

It was apparent Thursday night just how much Michigan basketball missed Eli Brooks against Wisconsin. His defense, his ball-handling and his shooting were all needed against the Badgers and they will be needed Sunday too against Ohio State.

The Wolverines, who are ranked 19th, for now, will head to Columbus to take on 23rd-ranked Ohio State in a battle of NCAA tournament teams that are both 9-8 in the Big Ten.

The Buckeyes won in Ann Arbor earlier this season when Isaiah Livers was sidelined, so if Brooks can return, which it sounds like he will, it would give Michigan a chance to face OSU at full strength.

Brendan Quinn of The Athletic Tweeted that Brooks was making the trip with the team and that he would be wearing a protective mask. He said he took part in the shoot around but stopped short of confirming he would play. So it’s not guaranteed but it sounds promising.

If Brooks is able to go, it should give Michigan a much better chance of winning the game. It will allow the Wolverines to play with their preferred lineup. Brandon Johns has been really effective off the bench and he can return to that role.

In other news, Kyle Young will miss the game for Ohio State and he averages just over seven points a game. Freshman Alonzo Gaffney will be out too.

With all that in mind, Michigan basketball comes into the game as a 3.5-point underdog. That probably makes sense, the two teams are about even and the home team normally gets the edge.

But like the first matchup, I think the reverse of what’s expected will happen. Particularly if Brooks is able to return, Michigan has a good shot to win or at least cover the spread.