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Michigan Basketball: How to watch, storylines against Ohio State

By Chris Peterson

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 06: Head coach Juwan Howard of the Michigan Wolverines looks on during the second half against the UCF Knights at Crisler Arena on December 06, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 06: Head coach Juwan Howard of the Michigan Wolverines looks on during the second half against the UCF Knights at Crisler Arena on December 06, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /
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How to watch, listen and stream, plus key storylines for Michigan basketball against Ohio State in a pivotal matchup on Sunday.

While Ohio State has dominated the rivalry with Michigan on the football field, things have been much more even on the basketball court and outside of last year’s sweep by the Buckeyes, the Wolverines probably have a leg up.

At the very least, Michigan basketball has been the most accomplished program over the last decade or so but Ohio State could make a big statement with a third straight win over the Wolverines Sunday.

The two teams will meet with both ranked in the top five and each having a legitimate chance of winning the Big Ten championship.

Right now, the Wolverines probably have the best chance of any team. They have six games to go and have lost just once so far this season and since all teams won’t play 20 games, the league will determine its winner by winning percentage.

This could favor U-M, but the closing schedule is very tough. After playing fourth-ranked Ohio State, Michigan will play 11th-ranked Iowa on Thursday, then at Indiana, before taking on 5th-ranked Illinois.

Michigan will then close the season with back-to-back games against Michigan State. Still, a 4-2 stretch is likely enough to win the title. A mark of 3-3 might do it too.

Regardless, the matchup Sunday is huge. Ohio State beat Michigan twice last season and it would be nice for the basketball team to get some measure of revenge for the fanbase.

Ohio State is a very skilled offensive team and the Buckeyes shoot the ball really well from deep. But Michigan is best in the Big Ten in 3-point defense and the Wolverines also allow just 11 free throw attempts per game and OSU averages 21.

If Michigan can minimize Ohio State in those areas and also take advantage of the Buckeyes’ poor interior defense which ranks 227th in field-goal percentage at the rim, U-M should be able to snag a victory.

However, things don’t always go as planned, especially in rivalry games and this one is on the road, so it’s going to be a war. Here’s how to watch, stream and listen:

Key info

Game 17: Michigan at Ohio State

When: 1 PM EST

Where: Columbus

TV: CBS

Stream: CBS Sports App

Radio: mgoblue.com

odds: Ohio State -2.5

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