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3 keys and a prediction for Michigan basketball vs Ohio State

By Chris Peterson

Jan 4, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan's Jace Howard (center) and Will Tschetter (right) try to tell Hunter Dickinson (1) (left) that his nose is bleeding from the bench during their game against Penn State in the second half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan's Jace Howard (center) and Will Tschetter (right) try to tell Hunter Dickinson (1) (left) that his nose is bleeding from the bench during their game against Penn State in the second half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Win the battle of the boards

Ohio State averages nearly 12 offensive rebounds per game, which ranks 58th in college basketball and Michigan, well, rebounding at times has been an issue.

The Wolverines are 313th in total rebounds allowed per game and rank 210th in offensive rebounds allowed per game. All of those numbers can vary on shot attempts and the kind of tempo you play with, but still, rebounding has been inconsistent.

In Big Ten play, both teams are averaging exactly 33 rebounds per game. Ohio State has nearly a two-rebound edge on the offensive glass and that’s something U-M can’t allow Sunday.

Extra possessions and second-chance points are another avenue to victory for the Buckeyes, so that’s another key area to watch.

Michigan basketball vs Ohio State prediction

According to DraftKings, Michigan basketball is a four-point favorite in this matchup. The over/under is 144.

Admittedly, I’ve struggled to pick Michigan basketball games this season but got on track with Northwestern, predicting the upset. The Wolverines have been wildly inconsistent, yet have shown they can play with just about anyone.

If Michigan plays like it did on Thursday and can channel that effort for the rest of the season, not only can the Wolverines win Sunday, they can make the NCAA tournament.

Next. 3 takeaways from vital win at Northwestern. dark

Hunter Dickinson will be motivated to beat Ohio State and Juwan gets his first home win for the Buckeyes as Michigan continues to get right in a 77-70 win.

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