By Kevin Wallace
Source: BigTenNetwork.com
Posted: Sunday, February 17, 2008 4:54:00 PM EST
Published: Sunday, February 17, 2008 5:06:56 PM EST
Posted: Sunday, February 17, 2008 4:54:00 PM EST
Published: Sunday, February 17, 2008 5:06:56 PM EST
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- You know it's a big game when students storm the court after a win. But storming the court after a win versus an unranked team?
It must be Michigan-Ohio State. And for the first time in the Thad Matta era at Ohio State, and the John Beilein era at Michigan for that matter, Michigan fans could celebrate a victory over their rivals from the south on Sunday afternoon at a packed Crisler Arena.
Michigan was once again led by super freshman Manny Harris, who scored a career-high 27 points, including a clutch 10-of-11 from the free-throw line. Sophomore DeShawn Sims, who unexpectedly came off the bench, chipped in with 22 on 8-14 shooting.
Beilein commented on the play of Harris and fellow freshman Kelvin Grady following his team's win.
"They really didn't look like freshman out there," Beilein said. "I think both of their clutch performances today show you how much they have grown as basketball players this year. They were cool, calm and collected and hit clutch free throws."
The first half was a big free for all as the two bitter rivals tied six times, including at the end of the half at 38, and experienced eight lead changes. At halftime, Michigan head football coach Rich Rodriguez gave a rousing speech trying to comfort fans on what might be a rough football season next year. In fact, there were Ohio State fans at the top of the arena yelling throughout his speech to which the coach replied, "I hope you enjoy your seats up there."
Michigan took control of the game midway through the second half with 3-pointers from Harris, Sims and Grady during a 15-5 run that pushed Michigan's lead to ten at 58-48. Beilein noted that key stretch of the game when the Wolverines broke open the game.
"Those 3-pointers were big for us," Beilein said. "I know we haven't been a good 3-point shooting team this season, which is uncharacteristic of my teams, but we really showed today that we can make them if we have to."
This was Michigan's third win in a row, marking its longest winning streak since it registered five wins in a row spanning over January and February of 2006. Though the winning streak isn't comprised of any great teams (Penn State, Iowa and Ohio State), Beilein stressed the importance the winning streak has on his team.
"This season has been real rough for us," Beilein said. "But the way we have climbed out of it and put together a nice winning streak lately shows the kind of poise and character that this team is comprised of. We have had a lot of players step up recently that have made this winning streak even possible. Anthony [Wright] has improved a lot from 3-point range and Kelvin [Grady] has really improved his ball handling just to name a few."
This marked Michigan's first win over Matta in eight tries and the first win Michigan has posted over Ohio State in basketball or football in the last four years. Beilein realized the monkey that came of Michigan's back with this win against Ohio State.
"Yeah, I've heard we've lost a few in a row to them," Beilein said with a smile. "It's always nice when you beat your rival, but especially after you have been in a little funk against them. This was a big win for our team and our fans today and I am happy we could give it to them."
Freshman Kosta Koufos led the way for Ohio State, coming off the bench to post a double-double, tallying 18 points and 12 rebounds. Ohio State received balanced scoring from its starters, as Jon Diebler, Jamar Butler and Evan Turner all finished the game in double figures in the losing effort.
This loss could prove fatal for the Buckeyes in terms of reaching the NCAA tournament, as the loss brings their record to 17-9 and 8-5 in the Big Ten. Ohio State hosts Wisconsin in a crucial game on Feb. 24th, while Michigan travels to Minneapolis for a showdown with the Golden Gophers on Thursday.
Kevin Wallace is a Big Ten Network intern.
It must be Michigan-Ohio State. And for the first time in the Thad Matta era at Ohio State, and the John Beilein era at Michigan for that matter, Michigan fans could celebrate a victory over their rivals from the south on Sunday afternoon at a packed Crisler Arena.
Michigan was once again led by super freshman Manny Harris, who scored a career-high 27 points, including a clutch 10-of-11 from the free-throw line. Sophomore DeShawn Sims, who unexpectedly came off the bench, chipped in with 22 on 8-14 shooting.
Beilein commented on the play of Harris and fellow freshman Kelvin Grady following his team's win.
"They really didn't look like freshman out there," Beilein said. "I think both of their clutch performances today show you how much they have grown as basketball players this year. They were cool, calm and collected and hit clutch free throws."
The first half was a big free for all as the two bitter rivals tied six times, including at the end of the half at 38, and experienced eight lead changes. At halftime, Michigan head football coach Rich Rodriguez gave a rousing speech trying to comfort fans on what might be a rough football season next year. In fact, there were Ohio State fans at the top of the arena yelling throughout his speech to which the coach replied, "I hope you enjoy your seats up there."
Michigan took control of the game midway through the second half with 3-pointers from Harris, Sims and Grady during a 15-5 run that pushed Michigan's lead to ten at 58-48. Beilein noted that key stretch of the game when the Wolverines broke open the game.
"Those 3-pointers were big for us," Beilein said. "I know we haven't been a good 3-point shooting team this season, which is uncharacteristic of my teams, but we really showed today that we can make them if we have to."
This was Michigan's third win in a row, marking its longest winning streak since it registered five wins in a row spanning over January and February of 2006. Though the winning streak isn't comprised of any great teams (Penn State, Iowa and Ohio State), Beilein stressed the importance the winning streak has on his team.
"This season has been real rough for us," Beilein said. "But the way we have climbed out of it and put together a nice winning streak lately shows the kind of poise and character that this team is comprised of. We have had a lot of players step up recently that have made this winning streak even possible. Anthony [Wright] has improved a lot from 3-point range and Kelvin [Grady] has really improved his ball handling just to name a few."
This marked Michigan's first win over Matta in eight tries and the first win Michigan has posted over Ohio State in basketball or football in the last four years. Beilein realized the monkey that came of Michigan's back with this win against Ohio State.
"Yeah, I've heard we've lost a few in a row to them," Beilein said with a smile. "It's always nice when you beat your rival, but especially after you have been in a little funk against them. This was a big win for our team and our fans today and I am happy we could give it to them."
Freshman Kosta Koufos led the way for Ohio State, coming off the bench to post a double-double, tallying 18 points and 12 rebounds. Ohio State received balanced scoring from its starters, as Jon Diebler, Jamar Butler and Evan Turner all finished the game in double figures in the losing effort.
This loss could prove fatal for the Buckeyes in terms of reaching the NCAA tournament, as the loss brings their record to 17-9 and 8-5 in the Big Ten. Ohio State hosts Wisconsin in a crucial game on Feb. 24th, while Michigan travels to Minneapolis for a showdown with the Golden Gophers on Thursday.
Kevin Wallace is a Big Ten Network intern.
