Michigan traveled to Columbus as an underdog to unranked Ohio State, but the Wolverines are leaving with a close victory, extending their winning streak to 6 games and maintaining UM’s spot atop the Big Ten standings at 12-2 in conference play and 20-5 overall.

Ohio State, though unranked, closed as a 1.5-point favorite against No. 20 Michigan, according to ESPN Bet. The Buckeyes were hoping to ride momentum from their recent 93-69 win over Washington and use homecourt advantage to get the rivalry win, but fell short.

OSU and U-M were locked into a back-and-forth battle. The game underwent 16 lead changes and 11 ties. It was a 44-39 Michigan advantage at halftime, but the Buckeyes were not backing down.

At the 12:43 mark of the 2nd half, Ohio State took a 65-63 lead. Just over 3 minutes later, 68-67 would be the Buckeyes’ last lead of the game before Michigan went back on top 69-68 at the 7:55 mark.

Down the stretch, Ohio State tied it up 80-80 with 2:06 to go. In the final minute, the Buckeyes had a chance to tie or take the lead.

Michigan made it 85-83 with 24 seconds to go. Out of a timeout, OSU’s Bryce Thornton had an open look, the potential tying shot.

Ohio State’s Devin Royal was the game’s high scorer with 26 points on 10-of-16 shooting from the field, including 3 3-pointers. Michigan was led by Vladislav Goldin’s 20 points on 9-of-14 shooting from the field.

Goldin made it a double-double with 10 rebounds. Danny Wolf also notched a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds. The Wolverines outrebounded the Buckeyes 46-31.

In addition to dominating the glass, Michigan also worked the paint, where it outscored Ohio State 46-34.

Up next for Michigan is the rivalry showdown with No. 11 Michigan State on Friday. The Spartans are a game behind in the B1G standings at 11-3 in conference play.

Ohio State will try to bounce back against Northwestern on Thursday.