Written by David Regimbal

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For the second time in as many games, the Ohio State Buckeyes (17-0) had to withstand a late rally from an overmatched opponent to remain unbeaten. On Sunday afternoon, the Buckeyes held off Minnesota. Last night, they avoided the upset by beating Michigan 68-64 in Ann Arbor.

The Wolverines came as close as any team has to beating Ohio State. With 12 seconds remaining in the game, Michigan had clawed their way back from a double digit deficit to within two points of the Buckeyes. Clutch free throws from junior William Buford and freshman Aaron Craft secured the 68-64 victory.

Michigan coach John Beilein talked about his team’s near-stunning upset, "We're close, but to get over the hump, you've got to be better than the breaks, you've got to be better than the other team," He later added, "You've got to stay so focused. You've got to be better than any calls that don't go your way."

Whether the calls went their way or not, the Wolverines had plenty of other things going for them last night. Michigan shot the ball extremely well from the three point line, connecting on 11 of their 24 attempts. The Wolverines lit it up early by hitting four of their first five 3-pointers, all within the first five minutes of game time.

Michigan’s hot shooting gave them a six point lead early, but Ohio State was able to fight back after the Wolverines went (momentarily) cold from behind the arch. After the Buckeyes tied it at 16, Ohio State wasn’t able to build a lead bigger than four points. Michigan was constantly putting pressure on Jared Sullinger by double teaming the post. They used a few zone schemes that Sullinger hadn’t seen at any point this season, sending the weak-side defender as the second man to double down. Sullinger was flustered by the defense and committed six turnovers. Coach Matta thinks Sullinger will grow from the experience, "They were basically running the kitchen sink on Jared," Matta said. "I think he'll learn from this game."

With Sullinger contained, the Buckeyes had to find their offense elsewhere in the first half. William Buford was more than happy to fill the role as he scored 14 points on 5-8 shooting through 20 minutes of play. As the teams entered the locker room, Michigan was shooting an impressive 56% from the field while Ohio State shot an even better 62%. The slight margin gave Ohio State an even slighter lead as the Buckeyes led 35-34 at the break.

It was much of the same to start the second half, but after exchanging buckets for the first few minutes, a Diebler 3-pointer sparked a 12-0 run for the Buckeyes that featured a fantastic low-post move and dunk from Sullinger. Just like the Minnesota game on Sunday when Ohio State led by 18 -- it appeared as though the Buckeyes were running away with another victory.

Michigan had other plans. Over a six minute period, the Wolverines inched within five points of the Buckeyes. Down the stretch, the game had turned into Michigan’s offense against Ohio State’s ability to convert at the free throw line. While David Lighty struggled, Craft and Bueford made the game clinching trips to the line, connecting on Ohio State’s last four free throw attempts.

The Buckeyes, now 17-0, have matched the best start for an Ohio State basketball team since 1991. And with Duke’s loss to Florida State last night (a team that the Buckeyes beat by 14 earlier this year), Ohio State could be the new number one team in the country next week if they handle their business against Penn State on Saturday Night.

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