Ohio State blows out Michigan basketball team, 77-55, in Big Ten Tournament semifinal
Michigan assistant coach LaVall Jordan consoles senior guard Stu Douglass in the final minutes of the Wolverines' 77-55 loss to Ohio State in a Big Ten Tournament semifinal Saturday in Indianapolis.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
INDIANAPOLIS -- Less than a week ago, the Michigan basketball team earned its first share of a Big Ten regular season championship in nearly three decades.
The Wolverines will have to wait another year for a shot at an outright title, though.
Ohio State got 24 points from Jared Sullinger and blasted the Wolverines from start to finish Saturday, handing Michigan its most lopsided defeat of the season, 77-55, in the semifinal round of the Big Ten Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
"Today was very embarrassing for us," Michigan sophomore wing Tim Hardaway Jr. said. "It stings a lot.
"But (Sunday) we start off with 68 teams, 0-0. We'll be ready to go."
The loss bounces second-seeded Michigan (24-9) from the tournament, and advances No. 3 Ohio State (27-6) into the championship game against Michigan State on Sunday (3:30 p.m., CBS). The Spartans beat Wisconsin, 65-52, in Saturday's other semifinal.
OHIO STATE 77, MICHIGAN 55
BULLIED BY BUCKEYES
Michigan started the game in the midst of a bad dream, proceeded to enter a nightmare and left with a rough hangover. Ohio State (27-6) bullied and battered the Wolverines (24-9) from the opening tip. The 22-point loss was the most lopsided defeat of the season for the Wolverines and their 30.9 percent shooting performance was also a season-low.
BACK TO EARTH
After lighting the Big Ten Tournament ablaze Friday with 30 points in a win over Minnesota, Michigan freshman point guard Trey Burke was brought back to earth. Burke went 1-for-11 from the floor, 0-for-7 from 3-point range and finished with five points and a career-high eight turnovers.
STOPPING SULLINGER
Ohio State forward Jared Sullinger was relatively neutralized against Michigan in Ann Arbor earlier this season, thanks in large part to an 11-point, 11-rebound performance from Jordan Morgan. None of that happened Saturday. Sullinger dominated throughout, finishing with 24 points on 9-for-14 shooting. Morgan, meanwhile, went 1-for-5 with three points, four rebounds and three turnovers.
QUOTE
We haven’t lost two games (in a row) all year, and I know we’re going to come out with another mentality. Our biggest goal is to win the national championship, and this team, I know we’re capable of it.”
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The Wolverines, meanwhile, will await their fate for the NCAA Tournament, which will be revealed Sunday during a live selection show on CBS, beginning at 6 p.m.
Prior to the Ohio State loss, Michigan was projected as a No. 3 seed by both CollegeRPI.com's Jerry Palm and ESPN.com's Joe Lunardi.
Michigan improved to 5-0 in Big Ten Tournament openers under John Beilein after holding off Minnesota in overtime Friday. But after losing to OSU on Saturday, the Wolverines are 0-5 under Beilein in second-game appearances.
The Wolverines haven't been to the tournament's title game since the inaugural event in 1998, and have been eliminated by Ohio State in each of the past three seasons.
"This (Ohio State team) reminds me of the best UConn teams, the best Syracuse teams, the best Kentucky teams, the best Florida teams. This is a heck of a team," Beilein said. "But there's always something we can learn from."
After getting a combined 50 points from Trey Burke and Hardaway on Friday, the Wolverines got markedly less from their high-scoring duo against the Buckeyes.
Burke didn't get his first field goal until the 6:55 mark of the second half and finished with just five points on 1-of-11 shooting and committed a season-high eight turnovers. Hardaway, meanwhile, went 3-for-10 from the floor for 13 points.
As a team, Michigan made a season-worst 17 of 55 (30.9 percent) shots. The Wolverines' previous low was a 33.3-percent performance during a home win over Northwestern in January. Michigan also went 4-for-25 from 3-point range.
"We came out flat, just like (vs. Minnesota Friday) and Ohio State is a team you can't do that against," Burke said. "We're concerned about our effort, but one thing I know about this team, we'll bounce back three times harder come next Thursday, or whenever we play.
"We haven't lost two times (in a row) all year, and I know we're going to come out with another mentality. ... Our biggest goal is to win the national championship, and this team, I know we're capable of doing it."
Not only did Michigan have no answer for Sullinger early on, but the Wolverines also had no answer for their own shooting woes.
The Wolverines began the game 1-for-11 from the floor and the Buckeyes took advantage, going up 16-3 after a DeShaun Thomas layup less than eight minutes into the game.
Michigan eventually drew as close as seven points after a pair of foul shots from Stu Douglass, but the wheels only continued to rattle from there.
Sullinger knocked in a leaner in the lane, scored a tip-in at the hoop and William Buford canned an open 3-pointer to polish off a 10-2 run, giving OSU its largest lead of 26-12.
The lead grew as large as 16 points minutes later before the Buckeyes eventually settled for a 34-21 edge at the half.
"They buried us early, we missed a couple easy ones, we didn't shoot the ball as well as we can," Beilein said. "We needed to be in there early, and they're a tough team to come back on."
Michigan closed the first half shooting 7-for-25 from the floor, 1-for-13 from 3-point range. Sullinger, meanwhile, went 8-for-10 for 16 points.
The second half wasn't any prettier for the Wolverines. OSU began the frame on a 10-3 run, pushing its lead to 20 after an Aaron Craft triple made it 44-24 with 16:03 left to play.
The lead grew as high as 28 points in the closing minutes, and was only trimmed down due to a late surge from the Michigan reserves in the final minutes, led by Corey Person's seven points.
Thomas finished with 22 points for Ohio State, and the Buckeyes shot 49.2 percent from the floor.
Zack Novak was the only other Michigan player in double figures, finishing with 10 points.
The prevailing sentiment from inside the Michigan locker room afterward was one of bitter disappointment, with a tinge of guarded optimism. The Wolverines suffered their most humbling defeat of the season on the eve of the NCAA Tournament, but, the team has yet to suffer a two-game losing skid next season.
That streak will have to hold up now, or else Michigan's season will be over.
"We're in it to win it," Novak said. "In the past years, we were in it to win a few games. We weren't happy with where we were, but we had exceeded expectations.
"This year, we're looking at this thing, with the team we've got, and we've got a legit chance to make a move in this tournament."
Nick Baumgardner covers Michigan basketball for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2514, by email at nickbaumgardner@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @nickbaumgardner.
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Comments
Tom
Mon, Mar 12, 2012 : 1:25 a.m.
"This (Ohio State team) reminds me of the best UConn teams, the best Syracuse teams, the best Kentucky teams, the best Florida teams. This is a heck of a team," Beilein said. "But there's always something we can learn from." You got that right, Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiine! You can learn how to beat them from Tom Izzo! That 2007 NIT Championship at WVA was IMPRESSIVE!
a2contrarian
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 2:15 p.m.
Live by the three, die by the three. Too many B1G 10 teams are lacking an inside game. Perhaps Coach B shouldn't have adopted the Ohio thing that Hoke has been spewing. I am a Sparty but was rooting for them because I like the coach and like the way Novak has developed over the years. On another note, the conference should only send four, maybe five, teams to the NCAAs.
Wally the Wolverine
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 4:18 p.m.
I'm probably one of the few UM guys that initially felt Coach Hoke's reference to "ohio" was a bit of an underhanded put down. Because of the explanations and history behind the reference I gave him the benefit of the doubt. That said, Coach B's recent adoption of its use shows it to be little more than namecalling - something better left to the fanbases. The question is, can our coaches (and OSU's new football coach for that matter) have a renewed rivaly and tradition on their own terms, or does it only work if they resort to the verbal sparring of two warhorses from a past generation?
15crown00
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 1:43 p.m.
Come back kids finally got theirs.No coming back this time. well arrogant fans what do you say now?Do you whine or do you admit your Uni M Wolves got TOASTED?
genetracy
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 1:40 p.m.
I am sure the Wolverines will be rooting for the Bucs again today to do their dirty work. Maybe the selction committee will see how overrated they are and let them play in the women's tournement instead so they might be able to win a game.
genetracy
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 12:59 p.m.
Michigan needs a new recruiting coordinator. Doesn't the late Ed Martin have a son?
15crown00
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 10:56 a.m.
as the sun comes up over Arrogant Ann Arbor on Sunday morning the question arises How do you like your Wolverines?SMOKED
Rocketron
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 9:20 a.m.
Congrats to the Wolverines for what they accomplished this year. Having said that I would still suggest that the jury is out on John Bellein being able to recruit well enough to compete with the likes of MSU and OSU. Hardaway and Burke were gifts. Name one blue chip player that Bellein has been able to get from the state of Michigan. About he has gotten from Michigan is projects. Izzo still claims everybody he wants first. I think Bellein is one of the better X and O coaches in the Big Ten and he is a good developer of players; but, as we saw yesterday it is hard to win when your team suffers from a significant talent differential.
Engineer
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 6 a.m.
"Today was very embarrassing for us" was spot on. Beilien's lack of recruiting in his first several years was on display for all to see. The lack of effort and pride were also evident from the opening tip. That is on the coaching staff. When the commentators are writing you off with more than 6 minutes to go in a game is never a good sign. Hopefully Mr Brandon will call Beilien into his offeice and explain importance of not laying an egg against ohio. This was a disaster on many levels and certainly tarnished the banner for sure. Made us look like a fluke to even be part of top three and I would expect seeding in the NCAAs to drop quite a bit. F- for todays performance all around.
umstudent_osufan
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 1:16 p.m.
You calling OSU OHIO makes kicking your butt even better!
15crown00
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 11 a.m.
Blame it on BEELINE go ahead.fact is they handled OSU and Sparty each 1x this year.they just got outplayed by a better team and couldn't pull it out at the end.Because they're not that good.
Goofus
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 4:57 a.m.
I feel sorta bad for the UM team to go down like that today...but there's definitely the element of karmic justice for those of their fanbase that rooted so hard last Sunday for OSU. Make a note of it for the future, Wolverines: no good comes from rooting on the Buckeyes...ever. Signed, Your Brother.
15crown00
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 1:46 p.m.
Goofus rooting for OSU is nothing more nor nothing less than Uni M ARROGANCE Talking.
joey z
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 3:22 a.m.
well the game was pretty painful to watch. And as I might expect I look at the comments on here from Sparty and Buckeye fans rubbing salt in the wound. I guess it is too hard just to enjoy your teams victories without the extra vitriol. When here is to a better than expected season by the boys in blue. It's been a fun year to watch with even better things expected in the future. Go Blue. I personally get no pleasure dissing other peoples teams...but each to his own.
15crown00
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 1:47 p.m.
go away ARROGANT one Joey z
rightmind250
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 2:14 a.m.
It's very east to coach against this Michigan team. Trey (from Columbus of course) has no ability to score if he can't go to his right. OSU denied trey the ability to go right with excellent d from craft and assists from Sullinger and smith jr. Trey is 75% of UM's offense. Today he got punked. Hardoway, no game. Novak a punk with no game. He was lucky OSU didn't retaliate for the way he jumped on top of them , supposedly going for a loose ball. Today these guys got what they deserved. A first class butt whoopin from a class team. If I am a coach facing UM in the Tournament , I watch how OSU defended Trey. He is the only guy on this roster you have to worry about.
genetracy
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 1 p.m.
Boy Theo's Bro, what have you been smoking?
Theo's Brother
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 2:24 a.m.
Wolverines go farther in tourney than the Buckeyes. Book it.
southernblu
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 1:42 a.m.
Wow, so many haters coming out of the woodwork. Funny how the trollfans of other teams are so fixated on Michigan instead of just being happy that their team won--says a lot about the character of those fans, I guess. Anyway, we certainly didn't play our best game and that's pretty much what it would have taken to beat OSU on a neutral court. With the arrival next year of McGary, Robinson III, and Stauskas, we should be a better rebounding and post up team. We just don't have the bodies to play a very physical game at the present time. That will change in the future. For now, we really need to make the most of our scoring opportunities while also protecting the ball and making smart passes. Ohio State earned the win, but this isn't the end for Michigan--time to regroup and prepare for the NCAA tournament. Michigan keeps progressing--from being a bubble team not too long ago to being a high seed for the NCAA tournament. I'd suggest that the players do what good Michigan teams of the past have always done--worry about Michigan and no one else. I'm proud of the team and am really glad to see progress being made. Let's go deep into the tournament and if we catch fire, who knows what could happen!! GO BLUE!
15crown00
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 1:48 p.m.
Proudly Arrogant
genetracy
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 1:37 p.m.
Yeah Theo, a championship you backed into.
MQual
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 3:31 a.m.
southernblu - well said. I'm not a Mich fan but they did deserve the share of the championship - I think it's fair to say that UoM is pretty one dimensional. Some big men will help. having said that both MSU and OSU have young teams so it's only going to get harder in the upcoming years. MSU surprised everyone with such a young team doing so well.
Theo's Brother
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 2:24 a.m.
Oh yeah we got what we deserved: a Big Ten championship.
rightmind250
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 2:19 a.m.
It's the total lack of class from UM fans that bring out us trolls. Dude, you can call me anyrthing you want. I am a big guy that enjoys watching UM get what they deserve. They got punked. It's always next year for you guys. Well you guys love to talk records. Here is one for you. OSU is 16-3 versus UM over the last nineteen games.
Theo's Brother
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 1:36 a.m.
Here's something funny: The same people that call Beilein a genius when we beat Ohio State, MSU, Wisky, etc. are the same people who call him a fraud with a "bunny hop" offense. Guys, RELAX! It's ONE game! They played horribly, but our program is night and day from where it was 10 years ago, even 5 years ago. Beilein is building a program and he plays/wins with integrity. Fans can be soooo fickle sometimes. Eeesh!!! GO BLUE!!!
Liger
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 1:23 a.m.
embarrassing. I have no idea how this team tied for the Big Ten championship. MSU and OSU are the class of the conference. Oh, how things can change in one week.
Fritz Heuser
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 1:08 a.m.
UM Played Scared today.....Like boys in a men's game.....looking for for the Spartans to deliver against OSU, (not Ohio). GO GREEN
Brian
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 12:51 a.m.
if michigan dont recruit any dogs to this team we might as well get used to this type of play! i am tired of seeing weak ass players like jordan morgan and tim softaway representing the team i root for!
MQual
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 3:25 a.m.
Agreed -
robotmonster
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 12:47 a.m.
Exposed. One and done. Stop Burke and stop the beeline bunnyhop offense. Bunnyhop behind the three line and miss with the beeline offense.
tulsatom
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 12:46 a.m.
The U-M players looked physically tired and emotionally spent after the OT win against Minnesota, especially Burke. OSU was at the top of their game today while nothing seemed to go right for U-M . With that said, I don't think U-M would've been able to beat OSU today no matter what -- OSU was that dominant. OSU has good, physical big men like MSU while U-M is still a finesse team for the most part and they struggle to get good shots against good defensive teams. I still think U-M can make a run in the tournament and a Sweet 16 or Elite 8 might still be in the picture, but as a U-M fan I feel pretty down right now about getting blown out like that. .
15crown00
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 1:51 p.m.
if they get a good draw they make a good run in the NCAA. ARROGANT One
ryan
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 12:46 a.m.
Disappointing game, but I am glad that they have done this well. Here's rooting for Sparty to bring the Big Ten title to the Great state of Michigan!
mookienation
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 12:40 a.m.
Hardaway had 13 points. Novak was not the only player in double figures.
Theo's Brother
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 12:37 a.m.
I didn't know the Troll Convention was today. Bad game. Blip on the radar. Bump in the road. Corrections need to be made. Still a lot to play for. GO BLUE!
Tom
Mon, Mar 12, 2012 : 1:31 a.m.
And now Kellogg's kid, playing for Ohio, gets his chance! GO BOBCATS!
Wally the Wolverine
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 3:37 p.m.
TB, try not to be so naive. Our rivals' sites are littered with plenty of jabs from our own fanbase (sid vicious, air coryell, silver rush, to name a few). In many ways we're reaping what we sow - it comes with the territory.
15crown00
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 1:52 p.m.
you wish Theo's Brother
Theo's Brother
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 1:49 a.m.
See you in the Elite Eight Oh Rly! Book it.
Oh Rly
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 1:38 a.m.
Bump in the road? You car just disappeared down a pothole. Even Clark Kellogg called your team out as not physical and ready for the big-time. You had a great year, and Beilein got everything he could out of your players. Congrats. Really. But, it's time the big boys take over the gym.
trigg7
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 12:29 a.m.
aarox, thats all you have, how week, kind of like your flash in a pan team. We wanted scUM, it would have been nice to kick your butt again. O well, just have to take osu out in the final, a little redemption...as we all know its IZZO TIME. ps learn to shoot the ball you make the BIG TEN look bad.
Theo's Brother
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 12:39 a.m.
Can't quite understand what you just said because all I heard was "Blah, blah, blah." You seem to forget our championship trophy is the same size as yours. Just sayin. GO BLUE!
Sour
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 12:28 a.m.
Michigan lost to a MAC team (OHIO) by 22?? LOL
aarox
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 12:03 a.m.
if there is a positive to this, its that OSU will be fully rested for whooping on State tomorrow.
aarox
Mon, Mar 12, 2012 : 3:27 a.m.
Like I said Tom, I didn't see this coming. What part of that were having trouble with?
Tom
Mon, Mar 12, 2012 : 1:29 a.m.
Aarox...how'd those Sparties play vs. the Nuts? Thanks to the Walverines for "wearing them out" yesterday! LMFAO!
aarox
Mon, Mar 12, 2012 : 12:38 a.m.
@goofus - chirp!
aarox
Mon, Mar 12, 2012 : 12:36 a.m.
Confess I didn't see this coming. Thought bucknuts would win in a walkaway.
aarox
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 2:21 p.m.
state could lose by 22. they are short a starter and playing 3 games in 3 days. Sullinger looked great yesterday and got some long blows. So did Craft and Buford. I don't think Sparty took their starters out for more than a minute or two.
Goofus
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 4:54 a.m.
All that "choke" talk from aarox last sunday sure sounds like crickets now...
genetracy
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 12:05 a.m.
It State loses, it will sure as heck not be by 22 points.
Howard the Duck
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 11:59 p.m.
tOSU opened a super-sized can of whupazz on the wolverines!
catfishrisin
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 11:56 p.m.
Order has been restored after that little blip in ann arbor.
15crown00
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 1:54 p.m.
true,true,true catfishrisin
Isaac
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 11:47 p.m.
Awfully quiet in Ann Arbor. You still think Michigan had a better year in Basketball? Honestly, I understand a lot of Meeeeechigan fans are new to the college bball scene...really if you make a run in the Tourney no one will remember this loss.
garrisondyer
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 11:41 p.m.
What a rotten game...
genetracy
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 11:38 p.m.
Great game Blue. It would have been nice if you showed up against your arch rival. Next time, put your cheerleaders on the floor. No more laughing at MSU for losing hte buzzer beater to the Bucs last week, your game with them today was over before the opening tip. And please don't say your players were tired. OSU had the late game last night and they looked fine. But all is not lost, maybe the B-ball team can sit on the sidelines and slide into a higher seed tomorrow like your football team last fall. Afterall, Blue's fans travel well and they have a nicer fight song.
UofMbeBetter
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 11:38 p.m.
Holy crap, it was like Men Vs. Boys out there tonight..... Its like TOSU was playing a HS team........
Albee Macaw
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 11:37 p.m.
THIRD straight year TOSU has knocked the weasels out of the Big10 tournament. Getting like when the Vest went year in and year out winning. Once our red headed step child always our red headed step child. More like a female dog ( bit$8) but they would flag it. . The difference in talent is off the charts. This is just a preview to how things will look once Urb gets things in high gear. If weasel fan is not concerned they are ignorant regarding sports or in denial. This was like a high school team against a college team. I missed on my prediction that they would take them by only 15. Nice to win but even nicer to give the wood to the weasels.