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GAME NOTES: Very much in the hunt for the Big Ten title, the ninth-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes welcome the Michigan Spartans to Columbus, for a conference showdown from Value City Arena.

Thad Matta's Buckeyes are just a half game behind league-leading Purdue in the standings. The team has won two straight games and eight of its last nine to move to 12-4 in Big Ten play. The lone loss came on February 17th against the Boilermakers. Most recently, the Buckeyes took on a spirited Penn State squad in Happy Valley, escaping with a hard-fought 75-67 decision.

The Wolverines are simply just trying to find some consistency down the stretch for head coach John Beilein. Michigan is one game under .500 overall and a miserable 5-9 in league play, thanks to two straight losses, including a 51-44 home loss to Illinois on Tuesday.

Ohio State has won nine of the last 11 meetings with Michigan, but it is the Wolverines seeking the regular-season sweep. UM took advantage of a short- handed Ohio State squad back on January 3rd, earning a 73-64 victory in Ann Arbor.

Michigan's problems this season have centered around the team's inability to find offensive consistency. The team is converting a rather bleak 41.2 percent of its shots, with the futility extending beyond the arc as well (.298). That doesn't mean the team is void of talent. On the contrary, the Wolverines possess a solid inside/outside combination with Manny Harris and DeShawn Sims. Harris, a junior guard, ranks third in the Big Ten in scoring (18.4 ppg) and fourth in assists (4.2 rpg). Sims is right behind in the scoring column, ranking fifth in the Big Ten (17.1 ppg) and pacing Michigan in rebounding (7.8 rpg). Unfortunately, the scoring pool dries up after that with Zack Novak ranking third on the team with a meager 7.4 ppg. Michigan matched its season- low with just 44 points in its recent loss to Illinois. The team shot an absolute dreadful .246 from the field overall (16-of-65), including .194 from behind the arc (6-of-31). Harris led the team with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Novak chipped in with 12 points, while Sims netted just seven points, but did grab a game-high 13 boards.

The Buckeyes used a 53.8 percent shooting effort in the second half to keep a pesky Penn State team at bay and earning the tough road win. Evan Turner was once again masterful in the victory, posting 25 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. David Lighty poured in 18 points in support, while Jon Diebler and William Buford chipped in with 16 and 12 points, respectively. Turner is the key to Ohio State's success, and is a favorite for Big Ten Player of the Year, leading the conference in scoring (19.7 ppg) and rebounding (9.2 rpg), while ranking second in assists (5.8 apg). Buford (13.8 ppg) is next in terms of scoring, followed by Diebler (12.7 ppg), who is converting an impressive .423 from behind the arc (85-of-201). Lighty (12.5 ppg) rounds the double- figure scorers for Ohio State, which is netting 73.7 ppg on a healthy .493 shooting thus far.

The Wolverines took full advantage of Ohio State when Turner was Turner missed time due to a back injury. With their star player back at full strength, this result will be a lot different. The Buckeyes should have little trouble posting a double-digit win in this one.