Roddy Gayle’s big shot, Ohio State’s poor rebounding power Michigan win: 6 takeaways

The Michigan Wolverines’ victory over the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2024 Big Ten basketball showdown was a game that saw emotions run high, momentum swing back and forth, and several key moments that ultimately shaped the outcome. While Ohio State had chances to close out the game, poor rebounding, defensive lapses, and a clutch performance from Michigan’s Roddy Gayle proved to be the difference.

At the heart of Michigan’s victory was Gayle’s game-winning shot, a crucial moment that embodied both the importance of individual brilliance and the critical role of team play in big games. As for Ohio State, while their offensive strategy was strong at times, their inability to secure crucial rebounds and defend consistently in the second half were among the key reasons for their loss.

In this breakdown, we’ll explore the six major takeaways from Michigan’s hard-fought win, examining the role of Roddy Gayle’s late-game heroics, Ohio State’s rebounding struggles, and the broader implications for both teams moving forward.

1. Roddy Gayle’s Big Shot: The Difference-Maker

Roddy Gayle’s clutch performance in the final moments of the game was the most talked-about moment from Michigan’s victory over Ohio State. With the game tied and the clock winding down, Gayle received a screen at the top of the key and found himself open for a pull-up jumper. With Ohio State defenders closing in, he rose above the fray and knocked down a mid-range jumper with just seconds remaining, putting Michigan ahead for good.

The shot capped a brilliant individual effort from Gayle, who had struggled to find his rhythm earlier in the game. However, in the final few minutes, he seemed to take over, providing a reminder of why he is considered one of the top young players in the Big Ten. Gayle’s ability to stay composed under pressure, trust his shot, and deliver when his team needed it most showcased his growth as a player and his importance to Michigan’s championship aspirations.

Beyond his scoring, Gayle’s defense and playmaking in crunch time were key. He wasn’t just the hero offensively; his ability to frustrate Ohio State’s shooters and apply pressure on key possessions allowed Michigan to seize momentum at crucial moments. It’s the kind of all-around performance that top-tier players need to have to lead their teams to victory, and Gayle lived up to the moment.

2. Ohio State’s Rebounding Woes: A Major Factor in the Loss

One of the most glaring issues for Ohio State in this loss was their inability to control the boards. The Buckeyes have shown flashes of excellence on both ends of the court this season, but their struggles on the glass in this matchup were one of the primary reasons for the defeat. Despite having a physical advantage in the paint, Ohio State was consistently outworked by Michigan on both ends of the floor.

In the first half, Michigan dominated the rebounding battle, particularly on the offensive glass. The Wolverines secured several key offensive rebounds that led to second-chance points — something Ohio State failed to capitalize on in a similar situation. When you combine that with Michigan’s ability to control defensive boards and limit Ohio State’s second-chance opportunities, it became clear that Ohio State was being outplayed in one of the most fundamental aspects of basketball.

For a team that prides itself on defense and physicality, Ohio State’s lack of intensity and focus on the boards in this game was disappointing. Michigan finished the game with a sizable advantage in rebounding, particularly in the second half, where they capitalized on Ohio State’s lack of effort. This was a game where Ohio State’s size should have given them an edge, but their failure to secure rebounds, especially in the final moments, allowed Michigan to capitalize and control the flow of the game.

3. Ohio State’s Offensive Execution Was Strong, But Not Enough

While Ohio State struggled in several areas, their offensive execution was not one of them. The Buckeyes displayed good ball movement and ran efficient offensive sets throughout the game. Whether it was through pick-and-roll action, motion offense, or isolations, they created good looks for themselves, particularly from behind the arc.

Key players like Zed Key and Bruce Thornton were able to get good touches in the post, while Ohio State’s guards found open lanes to the basket. The Buckeyes scored efficiently, particularly in the first half, showing the offensive fluidity that they’ve become known for. However, their struggles came at the most inopportune times, particularly when it came to scoring in the final minutes of the game. Their ability to execute down the stretch was disrupted by Michigan’s defense, and the inability to capitalize on a few critical possessions ultimately cost them.

Ohio State also showed signs of hesitation when it came to taking charge offensively in key moments. When the game was on the line, the Buckeyes’ offense became somewhat stagnant, with players settling for contested jump shots rather than being aggressive at the rim or looking for higher-percentage shots. Had they executed better in the final minutes, they could have easily walked away with a win.

4. Michigan’s Defense Stifled Ohio State in Key Moments

Michigan’s defense played a huge role in their victory, particularly in the second half. The Wolverines made key stops down the stretch, tightening up their defensive intensity when it mattered most. They were able to disrupt Ohio State’s offensive rhythm, forcing contested shots and turning up the pressure on the perimeter.

Much of Michigan’s defensive success came from their ability to close out on Ohio State’s shooters and force them into tough looks. Players like Gayle, along with teammates such as Hunter Dickinson and Jett Howard, made key stops in isolation situations, particularly against the Buckeyes’ primary offensive weapons. Gayle was especially active, getting into passing lanes, creating turnovers, and preventing Ohio State from executing easy plays.

Additionally, Michigan’s defense took Ohio State out of their transition offense, a key aspect of their game plan. Ohio State thrives when they can get out in transition and score easy buckets, but Michigan’s discipline in getting back on defense and limiting fast-break opportunities stymied Ohio State’s momentum throughout the second half. In critical moments, Michigan’s ability to switch on defense and contest shots helped them maintain their lead and stifle Ohio State’s offensive chances.

5. The Impact of Michigan’s Balanced Scoring Attack

Michigan’s success in this game wasn’t just about one player — it was about their depth and balanced scoring attack. While Roddy Gayle’s game-winning shot was the headline, several other Michigan players contributed in important ways, especially when Ohio State looked to take control.

Hunter Dickinson was a constant presence in the paint, contributing both as a scorer and a rebounder. His size and skill around the basket kept Ohio State’s defenders occupied, while his ability to finish through contact provided a reliable source of offense for Michigan. Jett Howard, who had struggled with his shooting earlier in the game, stepped up with timely buckets in the second half, adding another scoring threat to complement Gayle and Dickinson.

Michigan’s ability to rely on multiple players to make plays down the stretch was a stark contrast to Ohio State, who relied heavily on a few key players to get them over the hump. Having that type of scoring balance, with multiple players who can step up in critical moments, gives Michigan the edge in big games like this one. Ohio State will need to develop more balance in their own offense if they are to contend with teams like Michigan that can lean on several different players.

6. The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Both Teams Going Forward

As both teams look ahead to the rest of the season, the outcome of this game is likely to have long-term ramifications, especially in terms of Big Ten standings and NCAA Tournament positioning.

For Michigan, this victory boosts their confidence and further solidifies their standing as one of the top teams in the Big Ten. Gayle’s emergence as a clutch performer is a positive sign for their future, as they’ll need that type of leadership and scoring in tight games. Their defense, particularly in the second half, was also a major takeaway. If Michigan can continue to build on these defensive performances and get more consistency from their role players, they’ll be a tough out for anyone in the NCAA Tournament.

On the other hand, Ohio State will need to address some key areas of concern, especially their rebounding. While their offense looks promising, they will not be able to win consistently if they cannot control the boards and finish possessions with defensive rebounds. Their struggles in crunch-time execution and defensive lapses also raise questions about their ability to close out games against top-tier opponents. If they can clean up these issues and continue to get strong performances from their core players, they will still be contenders in the Big Ten, but they’ll need to prove they can execute in high-pressure situations.