Ohio State Buckeyes (13-5, 4-3 Big Ten) at Michigan Wolverines (17-1, 7-1 Big Ten) Preview ANN ARBOR, Mich. (Interstat) — A surging but shorthanded Ohio State team faces its toughest test of the season Friday night, visiting the Crisler Center to take on Michigan in a pivotal Big Ten men’s basketball clash. The 13th-ranked Buckeyes (13-5, 4-3) ride a two-game winning streak but are coming off a taxing 82-74 overtime victory over Minnesota on Tuesday. Guard Bruce Thornton logged 42 minutes in that win, scoring 23 points, and has been the engine for Ohio State, averaging over 20 points per game in his last seven contests. He will need another high-minute, high-output performance against a deep Wolverines squad. Michigan (17-1, 7-1) has been dominant, with its only blemish a 91-88 home loss to Wisconsin on Jan. 10. The Wolverines boast the conference’s top scoring offense, averaging 89.2 points per game. Their balanced attack is led by forward Yaxel Lendeborg, a versatile defender and efficient scorer who posted 15 points, four assists and two blocks in Tuesday’s 86-72 win over Indiana. The matchup pits Ohio State’s resilience against Michigan’s firepower. The Buckeyes have shown grit in close games, including an overtime win and a double-overtime victory earlier in December, but have struggled on the road in conference play (1-2). Michigan, meanwhile, has won its home games by an average margin of 28.6 points. Ohio State’s depth will be challenged. Forwards Devin Royal and John Mobley, who combined for 42 points against Minnesota, also played over 40 minutes each Tuesday. How they recover against Michigan’s relentless pace will be critical. The Wolverines’ defense, anchored by Lendeborg and center Aday Mara, will aim to contain Thornton and force other Buckeyes to score. Michigan leads the Big Ten in field goal percentage defense. This is the first of two regular-season meetings between the rivals, with the rematch set for Feb. 8 in Columbus. Friday’s result will significantly shape the early Big Ten title race, with Michigan looking to solidify its standing and Ohio State aiming for a season-defining road upset. Tip-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. EST. The game will be televised on Fox.