Michigan completes season sweep of Ohio State with 82-61 win, fueled by rebounding and threes

Michigan controls rivalry rematch in Columbus

Michigan delivered a wire-to-wire performance in Columbus on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, defeating Ohio State 82-61 to complete a season sweep in the Big Ten rivalry. The Wolverines, ranked No. 2 at the time of the game, led 44-34 at halftime and extended the margin in the second half behind efficient interior scoring, early perimeter shot-making and decisive work on the glass.

Key drivers: perimeter burst, second-chance chances, and paint production

The game’s shape was set early by Michigan’s first-half three-point output. The Wolverines made 10 three-pointers overall, with nine coming before intermission, allowing them to build a double-digit cushion even with uneven two-point efficiency at points in the first half. Ohio State’s defensive possessions were repeatedly extended by Michigan’s offensive rebounding, which translated into second-chance points and continued shot volume.

Michigan finished with 17 offensive rebounds and a 44-31 edge on the boards. The Wolverines also won the paint battle, producing a significant share of their scoring through post touches, rim runs and transition finishes created by stops and rebounds.

Aday Mara’s career night anchors Michigan’s inside-out attack

Center Aday Mara scored a career-high 24 points on 11-of-16 shooting, including two three-pointers. His scoring came in multiple phases: early involvement to stabilize possessions and a second-half stretch that helped Michigan push the lead beyond reach. Michigan’s frontcourt depth also showed in the rebound totals and interior defense, limiting Ohio State’s efficiency after halftime.

Two other Wolverines posted double-doubles: Morez Johnson Jr. finished with 11 points and 12 rebounds, while Yaxel Lendeborg added 14 points and 14 rebounds. Michigan’s advantage in size and rebounding was reflected not only in totals, but in the timing of extra possessions that halted Ohio State’s attempts to string together stops.

Ohio State’s second-half offense stalls

Ohio State was led by Bruce Thornton with 16 points, and Devin Royal scored 15. The Buckeyes struggled to generate consistent shot quality after the break, going 8-of-25 from the field in the second half. Michigan’s defensive pressure and rebounding limited Ohio State’s ability to produce sustained runs, even when the Buckeyes briefly cut into the margin early in the second half.

Context: a season sweep and what comes next

• Michigan also won the first meeting, 74-62 in Ann Arbor on Jan. 23, 2026.
• The Feb. 8 result reinforced Michigan’s position atop the Big Ten standings at the time.
• Next scheduled games: Michigan at Northwestern on Wednesday; Ohio State hosts Southern California on Wednesday.

Final: Michigan 82, Ohio State 61 (Halftime: Michigan 44, Ohio State 34).