Ohio State Buckeyes vs Michigan Wolverines Picks and Prediction for Friday March 13 2026
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The Ohio State Buckeyes face the Michigan Wolverines in the Big Ten Tournament Quarterfinal on Friday, March 13, 2026, at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Tipoff is scheduled for 12:00 PM ET with television coverage on BTN. According to DraftKings, Michigan is listed as a 12.5-point favorite with the total set at 154.5. Be sure to check out our free college basketball picks for more daily predictions and betting insights.
Ohio State Carrying Momentum into the Quarterfinal
Ohio State enters the Big Ten Tournament Quarterfinal with a 21-11 overall record and a 12-8 mark in conference play. The Buckeyes advanced to this round after recently winning over Iowa 72-69 in the Big Ten Tournament third round. Over their last five games, Ohio State has recently won over Iowa, Indiana, Penn State, and Purdue while recently losing to Iowa.
On the season, Ohio State has been a productive offensive team, averaging 80.5 points per game while allowing 72.8 points per contest. The Buckeyes shoot an impressive 50% from the field while averaging 33.7 rebounds and 14.4 assists per game. Defensively, they average 2.4 blocks and 4.9 steals per game while maintaining a balanced defensive approach throughout conference play.
In the tournament win over Iowa, Bruce Thornton led the Buckeyes with 24 points on 10-of-14 shooting while also leading the team on the glass with six rebounds. Ohio State shot 55% from the field in that victory, showing strong offensive efficiency. The Buckeyes will now face a short turnaround in this quarterfinal matchup, and maintaining that shooting efficiency while controlling the pace will be key against one of the conference’s top defensive teams.
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Michigan Ready After Earning Tournament Bye
Michigan enters the quarterfinal round with a dominant 29-2 overall record and a 19-1 mark in Big Ten play. The Wolverines earned a bye into the quarterfinal round after finishing near the top of the conference standings. Over their last five games, Michigan has recently won over Michigan State, Iowa, Illinois, and Minnesota while recently losing to Duke.
Michigan has been one of the most efficient teams in the nation this season, averaging 88.4 points per game while allowing just 69.1 points per contest. The Wolverines shoot 51% from the field while averaging 40.4 rebounds and 18.8 assists per game. Defensively, they average 5.9 blocks and 5.8 steals per contest, creating problems for opposing offenses with their size and length.
In their most recent game, a 90-80 win over Michigan State, Yaxel Lendeborg led the Wolverines with 27 points while Morez Johnson Jr. controlled the boards with seven rebounds. Michigan shot 49% from the field and an impressive 45% from three-point range in that win. With the benefit of extra rest from the tournament bye and a balanced offensive attack, the Wolverines enter this matchup with significant momentum and depth.
Ohio State vs Michigan Pick
Ohio State vs Michigan Spread Pick
- Pick: Michigan -12.5
Michigan has been one of the most consistent teams in college basketball all season, and the Wolverines enter this matchup with the advantage of rest after earning the tournament bye. Ohio State played well in its win over Iowa, but the Buckeyes now face a short turnaround against a Michigan team that excels on both ends of the floor. With superior rebounding, ball movement, and interior defense, Michigan has the tools to gradually pull away and cover the spread.
Ohio State vs Michigan Total Pick
- Pick: Over 154.5
I like the over in this matchup because both teams have demonstrated the ability to score efficiently, particularly Michigan with its 88.4 points per game average. Ohio State also showed strong offensive rhythm in its win over Iowa, shooting 55% from the field. I expect Ohio State to remain aggressive offensively to keep pace, while Michigan’s fast-paced attack continues to generate scoring opportunities. With both teams capable of pushing the tempo, this game has strong potential to reach the over.
Final Score Prediction: Michigan 86, Ohio State 74
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