Michigan 71, Ohio State 67 FINAL — Aday Mara Dominates, Wolverines Advance to Big Ten Semis

Michigan has punched its ticket to the Big Ten Tournament semifinals. The No. 1 seed Wolverines survived a stubborn Ohio State squad 71-67 in Friday's noon quarterfinal at the United Center in Chicago, behind a dominant 17-point, 7-rebound effort from Spanish center Aday Mara and timely shooting from Trey McKenney off the bench. Bruce Thornton kept the Buckeyes alive with 22 points, but it was not enough.

Michigan vs Ohio State Final Score and Box Score

Michigan led 39-35 at halftime and the second half was a dead-even 32-32 — a credit to Ohio State's refusal to fold. The Wolverines got the stops they needed when it mattered most, converting 22 fast-break points off Ohio State's 10 turnovers.

Aday Mara Leads Michigan: 17 Points, 7 Rebounds, 63.6% FG

Aday Mara was Michigan's most efficient player, finishing with 17 points on a scorching 7-of-11 shooting — all two-pointers, dominating the paint with 12 of his points coming in the lane. He added 7 rebounds, 2 blocks, and converted all 3 free throw attempts. His plus-minus of +9 was the best on either team.

Elliot Cadeau contributed 15 points with a team-high 7 assists, while Trey McKenney came off the bench for 12 efficient points on 5-of-8 shooting including two triples. Morez Johnson Jr. added 11 points and 7 rebounds in a well-balanced Wolverines effort.

Bruce Thornton Led OSU With 22 Points — Still Not Enough

Bruce Thornton was the engine of everything Ohio State did offensively, dropping 22 points on 7-of-15 shooting with a perfect 6-of-6 from the free throw line. He added 4 assists but also turned it over 4 times. Devin Royal contributed a double-double — 13 points and 11 rebounds — giving the Buckeyes production in the frontcourt as well.

Ohio State's fatal flaw was cold shooting — 37.9 percent overall and 0-for-4 from midrange — and 6-for-12 at the rim compared to Michigan's 13-for-14. The Wolverines absolutely dominated inside the arc.

Updated Big Ten Tournament Bracket: Semifinals Saturday

Michigan advances to face the winner of tonight's No. 4 Illinois vs. No. 5 Wisconsin quarterfinal. On the other side of the bracket, Nebraska and Michigan State play tonight at 6:30 PM ET and 9:00 PM ET respectively.