The Michigan Wolverines triumphed over the Ohio State Buckeyes with a decisive score of 74-62 on February 2, 2024, at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor. This victory came on the heels of a bold prediction made by Buckeye forward Colin White, who had expressed his team’s desire to dominate Michigan. His comments, made after Ohio State’s recent win against Minnesota, added a layer of intensity to the rivalry.
White stated, “We hate Michigan, so we’re coming out for blood, we’re going up there to win, and we’re going to have fun doing it.” However, the Buckeyes struggled to live up to this proclamation during the game. As the final buzzer sounded, the Wolverines proved to be a formidable opponent, effectively silencing their rivals.
Lendeborg’s Impact on the Game
In a post-game interview with FOX, Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg addressed White’s pre-game comments. He said, “(At) the start of the game, man, I just wanted to stick it to Mr. Colin White. We got bench players talking like starters. So, that was pretty much my motivation for the entire game. It was to shut him up and show him, you know, who the real team is in this rivalry.”
Lendeborg showcased his skills throughout the match, finishing with 18 points on 7-of-13 shooting, alongside nine rebounds and four assists. One of the highlights of his performance was a powerful dunk that punctuated the Wolverines’ victory, executed during a chaotic moment for the Buckeyes as they attempted to regain possession.
In contrast, White’s contribution to the game was minimal. He scored just two points in nine minutes of play, struggling to make a significant impact as Michigan’s defense effectively contained him.
Looking Ahead
The rivalry continues as the two teams are set to meet again in Columbus on February 8, 2024. It will be intriguing to see if White or any of his teammates will dare to make bold statements following their loss. In the meantime, Michigan will face three additional games, including matchups against Nebraska, Michigan State, and Penn State.
This latest chapter in the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry underscores the fierce competition between these two storied programs. As the Wolverines bask in their recent success, the Buckeyes will be looking to rebound and reclaim their footing in this heated contest.
