Ohio State and Michigan struggled through 40 minutes — two rivals trying to turn their seasons around, who on this night missed far more shots than they made.
In the end, this physical clash came down to a torn jersey and some clutch free throws.
The game turned after officials went to the monitor with just over a half-minute left. Ohio State was ahead 57-56 when Michigan’s Zavier Simpson drove to the basket and drew a foul on Young. The Ohio State forward’s jersey was ripped, and a replay showed Simpson had gabbed the jersey while falling at the end of the play.
The foul on Young stood, but officials added a flagrant foul on Simpson as well. That meant each player shot two free throws. Simpson made his, and then Young made his. So the Buckeyes ended up with a one-point lead and the ball.
“I asked (the official), I said, `If he’s going up, and he’s falling. Did he grab him to brace his fall?’ And he said yes,” Michigan coach Juwan Howard said. “At the end of the day, we have to respect the call that was made.”
Michigan (13-8 4-6 Big Ten) had to foul, and CJ Walker made two free throws to put Ohio State (15-7, 5-6) up by three. Eli Brooks missed a 3-point attempt at the other end.
Michigan has lost six of its last nine. Ohio State has won three in a row after dropping six of seven.
Kaleb Wesson had 23 points and 12 rebounds for the Buckeyes and was the only player on either team scoring consistently for much of the game. Young finished with 12 points.