Survive and advance. That's always the theme of the postseason, and in the first game of the Big Ten tournament for Michigan basketball, that was the theme of the day for the Wolverines, even as they did something they have never done before against Ohio State.
It wasn't a pretty win. Frankly, it was downright frustrating. The Wolverines were sloppy at times on offense. Michigan missed six free throws. They also shot just 29 percent from 3-point range, which we highlighted as a potential fatal flaw for this team.
To be fair, the Buckeyes have been playing well. They have been one of the best teams on the bubble and for the second time this season, they gave the Wolverines all they could handle. One of the wins was by 12, but it felt much closer than that.
Michigan basaketball shows chinks in the armor
Michigan allowed Ohio State to win the rebounding battle on the offensive end. In the first half, at one point, Ohio State was rebounding 44 percent of the missed shots. The Buckeyes, one of the best offensive teams in the Big Ten, shot just 38 percent from the field, and still had the lead late in the game.
Bruce Thornton scored 22 points. John Mobley poured in 26 points. There were some stellar individual efforts. Michigan's defense was just good enough to survive. U-M held the Buckeyes without a field goal for nearly five minutes early in the second half.
Aday Mara delivered with a big game, scoring 17 points and seven rebounds. He also blocked two shots. Yaxel Lendeborg only attempted four shots, making just one to finish with six points, five rebounds, and six assists. Elliot Cadeau had 15 points and seven assists. Trey McKenney also came off the bench to score 12 key points, including two 3-pointers.
Yes, it was Ohio State. It's always harder to beat your rival, especially for a third time. Yet, the Buckeyes are the kind of team Michigan basketball can expect to see in the second round of the NCAA tournament. This game should be a wake-up call.
It should also serve as a reminder to Michigan basketball fans that in March, nothing is guaranteed.