The Michigan Wolverines have more ways to beat you up than Goro the four-armed baddie from Mortal Kombat.
The Wolverines’ pace, defense, and depth are all equally lethal, but it’s Michigan’s size that gives them an edge over the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Big Ten tournament on Friday.
At the top of the measuring tape is Aday Mara. The 7-foot-3 Spanish center earned Defensive Player of the Year honors for the conference, but he’s put in some solid offensive efforts down the stretch.
Our Ohio State vs. Michigan predictions see Mara as a tall task for the Buckeyes defense, with my college basketball picks taking the Wolverines man in the middle to top his points prop.
Ohio State vs Michigan prediction
Ohio State vs Michigan best bet
Ohio State vs Michigan best bet: Aday Mara Over 10.5 points (-135)
Rarely does Ohio State Buckeyes big man Christoph Tilly look up to an opponent, but Aday Mara has proven to be a tall task.
Mara went 3 for 4 and knocked down 5 of 7 free throws for 11 points over 29 minutes in their first meeting in late January and followed that with a season-high 24 points on February 8.
Since that game, the Michigan Wolverines center has tallied double figures in six of eight games. He picks up points in the paint and second-chance buckets — two soft spots for OSU’s defense — and is projected for 11+ points.
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Ohio State vs Michigan same-game parlay
The Wolverines could be the most complete team in college hoops, ranked among the elite on both ends of the floor. Game models have Michigan winning by as many as 15 points against its school rival.
Mara’s minutes fluctuate due to blowouts and foul trouble. But he’s averaging almost 20 points per 40 minutes — second highest on a loaded Michigan roster. Ohio State has trouble protecting the rim, which is where the 7-footer sets up shop.
Elliott Cadeau dished out six and eight assists in the two wins over Ohio State in the regular season.
Ohio State vs Michigan SGP
- Michigan -12.5
- Aday Mara Over 10.5 points
- Elliot Cadeau Over 5.5 assists
Our beyond the arc SGP: Kick to the nuts
Bruce Thornton is coming off a big game but has struggled against the Wolverines, with 10 and 16 points on a collective 9-for-27 shooting over two matchups.
Ohio State vs Michigan SGP
- Michigan -12.5
- Over 154.5
- Aday Mara Over 10.5 points
- Bruce Thornton Under 18.5 points
Ohio State vs Michigan odds
- Spread: Ohio State +12.5 | Michigan -12.5
- Moneyline: Ohio State +575 | Michigan -850
- Over/Under: Over 154.5 | Under 154.5
Ohio State vs Michigan betting trend to know
Dusty May went 5-1 ATS in the postseason in his first year as Michigan's head coach. Find more college basketball betting trends for Ohio State vs. Michigan.
How to watch Ohio State vs Michigan
| Location | United Center, Chicago, IL |
| Date | Friday, March 13, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 12:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | BTN |
Ohio State vs Michigan key injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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