The Wolverines are among the fastest-paced NCAAB teams, ranking 51st in schedule-adjusted tempo, per KenPom. They have a serious advantage in the paint and capable shooters on the perimeter (38.9 3PT% vs. the average opponent, per Haslametrics). Michigan ranks 38th in free-throw attempt rate and OSU fouls too much (283rd in average opponent FT attempt rate), as well.

The Buckeyes are no slouches offensively, either. They are 8th in near-proximity shooting percentage and 6th in three-point percentage versus the average opponent. Thornton is a bucket-getter and Royal is a handful to defend inside the arc. They come into this matchup on the heels of a 93-point performance and rank 42nd nationally in offensive momentum, per Haslametrics.