Tonight at 9:00 p.m. ET a major Big Ten showdown will tip off in Columbus, Ohio, where the No. 15 Michigan Wolverines (17-6, 9-2 Big Ten) will face the No. 22 Ohio State Buckeyes (19-5, 6-5 Big Ten) in a matchup that is more must-win for Thad Matta's boys in red. Watch the game on ESPN or live stream it free here. Wolverines fans can find the radio broadcast on WOMC-FM, while Ohio State fans may do the same on Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan.
The Buckeyes ship seemed to be sinking a bit during an unexpected losing streak earlier this year, but after three consecutive wins Ohio State will get a chance to prove they're back against Michigan.
Ohio State's senior leader Aaron Craft tried to downplay the intensity of the rivalry, and the importance of this game to Ohio State's standing in the Big Ten, but all parties involved know the stakes.
"The fans get a little more excited about it," Craft said. "It's always great to feed off your own fans' energy. There's people out there camping outside right now in this weather. That makes you want to play a little harder."
Buckeyes big Amir Williams didn't sugarcoat the pressure at all, telling media "This is a big one for us. We just have to be ready to play. We can't come out lackadaisical, come out like it's just some other game. It's a priority to build our standing in the Big Ten and help our place in the Big Ten tournament."
Michigan's conference record is gaudy but they were just demolished by Iowa in their last game, and will be trying to get back on track on the road, where they are just .500 for the year. "One of the good things in basketball is that sometimes you play two or three games in a week," coach John Beilein said.
"And one of the bad things in basketball is that sometimes you play two or three games in a week. You can get over a loss, or you get your momentum going. But for repair or rest, there isn't a lot of time."
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