Ohio State vs Michigan Prediction 3/13/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Ohio State Buckeyes and the Michigan Wolverines will meet on Friday afternoon in a Big Ten Tournament matchup at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Michigan Wolverines Betting Preview

The Michigan Wolverines enter Friday’s contest with a 29–2 win‑loss record, including a robust 19-1 mark in conference play and an 11-0 record on the road. Michigan has posted wins over Oakland, Wake Forest, TCU, Maryland, Rutgers, Middle Tennessee and San Diego State, while losing to the Wisconsin Badgers.

Earlier this season, in the Michigan Wolverines 81–71 victory over the Oregon Ducks, Michigan guard Nimari Burnett tallied 15 points (6 of 10 shooting from the field), 12 rebounds, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 1 block illustrating his ability to lead the Wolverines backcourt.

The Michigan Wolverines are averaging 88.4 points (5th in country) on 51 percent shooting from the field (3rd in nation) and 36.5 percent shooting from beyond the arc per game. Shifting our focus to the defensive side of the basketball, the Wolverines are allowing opponents 69.1 points per contest which ranks 49th in the country.

Sophomore forward Morez Johnson Jr. is averaging 13.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.1 blocks per game. Junior guard Elliot Cadeau contributes 9.9 points, 2.6 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game, while senior guard Roddy Gayle Jr. adds 7.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists per contest. Center Aday Mara provides interior scoring and rebounding for the Wolverines. Mara is averaging 11.3 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game.

Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Preview

The Ohio State Buckeyes enter Friday afternoon’s contest with a 21–11 win‑loss record, including a 12–8 mark in conference play and a 5-6 record on the road. The Buckeyes have compiled wins over IU Indianapolis, Purdue Fort Wayne, Appalachian State, Notre Dame, Western Michigan, Mount St. Mary’s, and Northwestern, while dropping one game to the Pittsburgh Panthers.

In the Ohio State Buckeyes 86–82 win over the Northwestern Wildcats earlier this season, Ohio State forward Brandon Noel tallied 29 points on 13 of 15 shooting from the field. Noel also grabbed 7 rebounds in the game.

The Ohio State Buckeyes average 80.5 points on 49.5 percent shooting from the field (17th in the country) and 36.3 percent shooting from three‑point range per game. The Buckeyes are allowing opponents 73 points per contest.

Senior guard Bruce Thornton leads the Ohio State Buckeyes backcourt averaging 20.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Senior forward Brandon Noel adds 7.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1 assist per game, while freshman guard John Mobley Jr. contributes 15.9 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists per contest.

Why the Michigan Wolverines will win

• Strong interior presence. Michigan center Aday Mara has been solid in the paint. Mara is averaging 11.3 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game.

• Ability to win on the road. The Michigan Wolverines are an undefeated 11-0 on the road this season.

• Balanced scoring. Michigan has three players averaging over 10 points per game.

• Confidence. The Michigan Wolverines have defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes twice this season.

Why the Ohio State Buckeyes will win

• Momentum. The Ohio State Buckeyes arrive at tomorrow afternoon’s contest on the heels of a four-game winning streak.

• Balanced scoring. Thornton, Noel, and Mobley Jr. provide scoring, rebounding, and playmaking ability.

• Elite guard play. Bruce Thornton and John Mobley Jr. combine for over 35 points per game.

Michigan vs. Ohio State Prediction

In my view, Ohio State has enough defensive structure and backcourt stability to keep this inside the number (13.5), even against a Michigan team with an exceptional offense. Michigan’s offense is far less explosive when opponents flatten pace and force them into half‑court execution, and Ohio State has been doing exactly that during their late‑season surge. With that said, I am backing the Ohio State Buckeyes to cover the 13.5 points in this game.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Ohio State +13.5