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Ohio State (13-5) vs Michigan (17-1)
- When: Jan 23 2026, 8:00 PM
- Where: Crisler Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Where to watch: FOX
Ohio State vs (3) Michigan Preview & Prediction
Spread: Michigan -15.0
Moneyline: Michigan (-2000)
Total: 163.5
Michigan Wolverines Betting Breakdown
Michigan returns home looking steady, not flashy. The Wolverines have won three straight and continue to show why they sit among the Big Ten elite, even if recent performances have felt a little grind heavy. Travel and a packed schedule have tested their legs, but Michigan still finds long stretches where the offense hums and the defense clamps down.
Turnovers and free throws remain the main red flags. Michigan has been good enough to win comfortably without being sharp, but laying a big number means cleaner execution is required. The depth and physicality at home usually cover those flaws, especially against teams that struggle to keep pace for 40 minutes.
Michigan’s ability to turn defensive stops into fast break points gives them separation late. If they avoid extended scoring droughts, this is the kind of matchup where the margin quietly balloons in the second half.
Michigan player prop pick: Nimari Burnett over points – His stat line rarely jumps off the page, but he gets quality looks and steady minutes in home games.
Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Breakdown
Ohio State arrives with momentum but also warning signs. The Buckeyes have survived recent games thanks to toughness and late shot making, not consistency. Long offensive droughts continue to haunt them, and those stretches are especially dangerous against a Michigan team that punishes mistakes.
Bruce Thornton remains the engine. When Ohio State stays competitive, it is usually because he controls tempo and creates offense when sets break down. The concern is support. If secondary scorers disappear again, keeping this within the number becomes difficult.
Ohio State’s path to covering involves slowing the game, attacking mismatches early, and avoiding the kind of turnovers that lead to Michigan runouts. That is a thin margin to walk on the road.
Ohio State player prop pick: Bruce Thornton over points – He is the most reliable scoring option and should see heavy usage regardless of game flow.
Expert Final Score Prediction
Michigan’s size, depth, and home court advantage point to a comfortable win. Ohio State can compete in spurts, but sustaining that for four quarters is unlikely. Expect Michigan to pull away after halftime once fatigue sets in.
Final Score: Michigan 89, Ohio State 72
Lean: Michigan -15.0
Total: Under 163.5
- NCAAB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
