Michigan basketball: Ohio State game could be a turning point

If I had to describe the 2022-23 Michigan basketball season (to this point) with one word, it would be “disappointing.” That being said, the Wolverines could be facing a turning point in their season.

Wolverines earn season-changing win at Northwestern

In Michigan’s most recent game, the Wolverines went on the road against a Quad 1 team — the Northwestern Wildcats (15-7, 6-5 Big Ten) — and won big. Michigan’s 68-51 victory over Northwestern was the program’s first road win since December 8th last year, when the Wolverines beat Minnesota 90-75.

Michigan basketball currently sits in a six-way tie for fourth place in the Big Ten. Still, the Wolverines’ 6-5 Big Ten record could be more impressive, especially considering that Michigan started the year 3-0 in Big Ten play. The only bright spot on Michigan’s resume right now is its two Quad 1 wins: Maryland (81-46) and Northwestern (68-51). Aside from those two wins, Michigan has little going for it.

Time is running out for Michigan basketball

Somehow, Michigan basketball could still turn this season around and make the tournament. The good news for the Wolverines is that there is only one ranked team on the schedule — No. 21 Indiana — the bad news is that Michigan still faces them twice.

There are also plenty of Quad 1 teams on Michigan’s schedule, and if Michigan grabs a few wins, we could see Juwan Howard and Co. make another run in the NCAA tournament. This, of course, depends on how Michigan basketball handles the next few matchups, starting with Ohio State on Sunday.

Michigan set to host Ohio State on Sunday

This weekend, Michigan basketball (12-10, 6-5 Big Ten) will host Ohio State (11-11, 3-8 Big Ten); the Buckeyes’ season has somehow been far more disappointing than Michigan’s thus far. Despite starting the season with a 10-2 record, Ohio State has lost nine of its last ten games and sits at .500 overall.

Additionally, Ohio State has a 1-6 road record this year and is winless in Big Ten road games. This should be a Michigan win, though with what I have seen to this point, I am hesitant to hand anything to the Wolverines right now. The Northwestern victory helps, but Michigan basketball needs more.

After Ohio State, Michigan basketball will host its next two opponents: Nebraska and Indiana. Playing the Wolverines at the Crisler Center is challenging, as Michigan basketball is undefeated in Big Ten home games this year.

After those two games, Michigan will hit the road to play at Wisconsin, hosts Michigan State, plays at Rutgers, and hosts Wisconsin in its final home game of the year. To end the season, Michigan basketball will face a tough two-game stretch: at Illinois and No. 21 Indiana.

There is still a good amount of season left to be played, and a substantial mid-year turnaround could kick off with a win over Ohio State this Sunday. The Wolverines and Buckeyes are set to clash at 1:00 PM (EST) this Sunday (2/5) at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The game will be broadcast on CBS.

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