Must Win Game for Wolverines

Photo Credit:USA Today

We're all used to Michigan and Ohio State games having major importance for both teams.  Not only the for the sake of the rivalry but usually in Big Ten play.  But normally, they're playing football.  Not basketball.

Tonight, the Wolverines and Buckeyes meet for the first time as AP top 10 basketball teams (Michigan 3, OSU 10) and the implications of this game couldn't be much higher.

This year's Big Ten conference is incredibly competitive.  The Wolverines were usurped from their #1 ranking by the current #1 team Indiana after the Hoosiers won on Saturday.  Every conference game is crucial, with each team being so strong and the top of the conference so close in talent and standings.

Tonight's game is no different, with both teams touting a 7-2 conference record.  If both teams want to win the Big Ten, this game is an important one to have, but even more so for the Wolverines.

Michigan's two conference losses (and two losses on the season) are to Indiana and Ohio State.  If Michigan were to lose tonight to Ohio State, they would then lose the tie-breaker to the Buckeyes, meaning they would have to rely on other teams to keep their B1G title chances alive.

Michigan is also coming off a tough road loss, coming home against their rival, and have two very tough conference road games following this game.  Michigan cannot afford to drop this game.

Which is exactly why I am picking Michigan to hold off the Buckeyes tonight 72-66.  I expect them to come out stronger than the first meeting with the Crisler crowd behind them.  Expect Trey Burke to have a better all-around game than he did against Indiana.  Michigan cannot afford 20+ shots from their point guard.

GoBlue BEATohio