Ohio State vs. Michigan

Big Ten Tournament, Quarterfinals
#1 seed Ohio State (27-3) vs. #8 seed Michigan (21-11)
Today, 12:00 Eastern, ESPN

OSU likely starters
Mike Conley Jr., guard
Ivan Harris, forward
Ron Lewis, guard
Jamar Butler, guard
Greg Oden, center

Michigan likely starters
Dion Harris, 6'3" senior guard
Brent Petway, 6'8" senior forward
Jerret Smith, 6'3" sophomore guard
Lester Abram, 6'6" senior guard
Courtney Sims, 6'10" senior center

If you are stuck at work, you have some options, turn on your radio and listen to 97.1 FM or 1460 AM if you are in Columbus, otherwise check these listings for other Ohio stations. If you don't have a radio at work, you can stream most of the stations of their websites. You can also do free game tracking with stats off the Big Ten site. Here is the updated Big Ten Tournament bracket.

Michigan gave Ohio State a game last weekend, but they ran out of gas, and did not score in the last 3-4 minutes. Michigan must win this game to have a chance at an at-large NCAA bid, otherwise they will play in the NIT. So, Coach Tommy Amaker must get his team fired up to have a chance at the NCAA, and to possibly save his job. I have not seen Michigan play a complete game, and have seen many victories fall from their grips in the closing minutes. It seems like there has been a piece missing in the Michigan program lately, perhaps a player, maybe motivation, or possibly a new coach is needed. A victory over Ohio State would put this program in the right direction.

Ohio State has won 14 games in a row, since their January loss at Wisconsin. Ohio State has never won the Big Ten tournament as a #1 seed, losing in the quarterfinals in 2000 and losing the championship game last year. Although people believe Ohio State is the #1 team in the country, there is concern that this team is vulnerable, since they have not blown-out opponents. Look for teams to play zone-defense and try to get Oden in foul trouble. Ohio State must penetrate the zone and hit outside shots. As I have said the entire season, Oden needs more touches. Run the offense through him, and if he doesn't have a shot, he can at least draw players inside, then pass the ball out to an open player on the perimeter.