Wolverines prevail against Ohio State rally

Michigan escapes with 72-69 win, closes on 7-1 run

Michigan guard Caris LeVert dunks in the first half.

INDIANAPOLIS — Nik Stauskas scored 18 points and the Michigan basketball team held off Ohio State for a thrilling 72-69 win in today's Big Ten tournament semifinal.

The fifth-seeded Buckeyes nearly pulled off a second straight improbable comeback, casting aside a 16-point first-half deficit to take a three-point lead in the final minutes. But Michigan closed the game on a 7-1 run.

Two free throws by Glenn Robinson III put Michigan ahead 69-68 and the Wolverines remained in front. Stauskas followed with a reverse lay-in and Albrecht made one of two free throws with six seconds left, setting up a bobbled last-ditch 3-point attempt by Ohio State's Aaron Craft.

LaQuinton Ross led Ohio State with 19 points.

Top-seeded Michigan will advance to play the winner of the upcoming Michigan State-Wisconsin game in Sunday's championship game.