)Ohio State's Lenzelle Smith Jr. (32) tries to block a shot by Michigan's Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Mike Munden) (The Associated Press)
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Deshaun Thomas had 20 points and scored the first and last baskets in a 16-0 first-half spurt to help No. 15 Ohio State beat second-ranked Michigan 56-53 on Sunday, denying the Wolverines their first No. 1 ranking in more than 20 years.
After Trey Burke, who led the Wolverines (16-1, 3-1 Big Ten) with 15 points, hit a 3-pointer to open the game, the Buckeyes took the lead for good although there were many nervous moments by the finish.
Burke had a shot to tie the game with 17 seconds left, but it rattled around and out.
Lenzelle Smith Jr. then hit two foul shots with 12.7 seconds left and Aaron Craft added two more to seal the outcome for the Buckeyes (13-3, 2-2).
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