Ohio State led Michigan by as many as 18 points late in the second half of the first Big Ten Tournament semifinal game of the day, but the Buckeyes managed to hold off the red hot Wolverines in the final seconds to advance to the championship game on Sunday afternoon.
Jon Diebler and William Buford paced the Ohio State attack with 16 points each and freshman Jared Sullinger posted yet another double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds. The Buckeyes outshot the Wolverines 46%-37% and posted a 34-27 advantage in the rebounding column.
The pesky Wolverines wouldn't go away, though. Darius Morris led the way for Michigan with 16 points and freshman had 15 points. The Wolverines nailed nine 3-pointers to stay in the game down to the end.
Ohio State now advances to the tournament championship game and awaits the winner of Michigan State-Penn State. In all likelihood, the Buckeyes will be heading to Neward, New Jersey next week as the NCAA Tournament's No. 1 overall seed. Michigan is expected to earn an at-large bid, though there might be a few anxious moments on Selection Sunday with the loss.