No. 2 Michigan will look to continue its historic winning ways by completing a season sweep of rival Ohio State on Sunday afternoon in Columbus, Ohio.
The Wolverines (21-1, 11-1 Big Ten) demolished visiting Penn State 110-69 on Thursday for their seventh win in a row, and they set the program record for most victories through 22 games. Michigan’s 2013 national runner-up and the 2019 Sweet 16 teams each were 20-2.
“That’s a heck of an honor,” Michigan coach Dusty May said. “Obviously, it’s not our ultimate goal, but for February … it’s pretty cool to be setting new standards and new bars. We told our guys that, and they seemed to be excited because they respect the program and those that laid the foundation before us.”
The rout of the Nittany Lions was Michigan’s seventh victory by at least 40 points this season.
Another highlight would be taking care of the Buckeyes (15-7, 7-5) in Columbus. It was after the Wolverines’ victory there last season in the only meeting that Ohio State coach Jake Diebler stated a desire for the schools to play twice a season and urged May to join him in asking the conference to make it happen.
Diebler might regret the decision if the Buckeyes can’t knock off the powerhouse Wolverines, who won the first matchup this season 74-62 on Jan. 23 in Ann Arbor, Mich.
Ohio State has won two of three since but is 0-6 vs. Quadrant 1 opponents and desperately needs quality wins to bolster its chances of making the NCAA Tournament.
The Buckeyes took care of business at Maryland on Thursday, prevailing 82-62, and in the process center Christoph Tilly regained the form necessary to battle inside with Michigan.
After missing all eight shots and going scoreless against Wisconsin in the previous game, the Santa Clara transfer poured in 11 points in the first half and finished with 19 for his best output vs. a Big Ten opponent. Included were two thunderous dunks and a 3-pointer while making 7 of 10 shots from the floor.
“I kind of felt that I let the team down the last game,” Tilly said. “My mind was to be ready for this game, have good preparation, not just myself but as a team as well, come here and have a good game.”
Michigan had many contributors in the rout of Penn State, but Nimari Burnett stood out with a career-high 31 points thanks largely to a career-best seven made 3-pointers on 10 attempts.
Each team was awaiting word on the availability of a backup guard.
For the Buckeyes, Taison Chatman scored 10 points in 20 minutes vs. the Terrapins but was ejected with 1:33 to play after getting into a shoving match with Elijah Saunders, who also was tossed.
Diebler said after the game he did not expect further discipline.
“He adds playmaking to our team when he’s on the court,” Diebler said of Chatman. “He’s playing with a ton of confidence and is super efficient.”
Michigan’s Roddy Gayle Jr., a transfer from Ohio State, did not play against Penn State.
“Roddy’s been battling a little of the illness bug that’s been going around,” May said. “… To be honest, we thought unless we really, really need you, we’re just going to hold you and get you healthy for the Ohio State game.”
