Aaron Craft's Defensive Effort Helps Ohio State Buckeyes Earn Win Over Michigan Wolverines

What people may overlook in Ohio State’s win over Michigan on Sunday afternoon is the job Aaron Craft did defending Wolverines star Trey Burke.

Craft has been knocked often for his lack of scoring production this season, but no one can question the junior guard’s ability to play defense.

In the closing minutes of action, Craft forced Burke to take two difficult 3-point shots. Both shots were off the mark and the Buckeyes held on for a huge 56-53 win over the Wolverines.

Craft only scored nine points, he only grabbed three rebounds and he dished out four assists.

Yet, the stat line, which was anything but flashy, matters little.

It’s what doesn’t show up in the stat line that matters most, and for Craft, his effort, his willingness to work hard on the defensive end of the floor made all the difference in the world against their Big Ten rival.

Of course, it didn’t hurt that Deshaun Thomas was his usual self, pouring in 20 points on a day when Ohio State nearly let an early 21-point lead evaporate into a loss.

Some people freaked out after Ohio State was waxed by Illinois earlier this month. They questioned if the Buckeyes were for real, wondered if they were worthy of their preseason hype.

Well, after Sunday’s win over Michigan, it’s tough to question the Buckeyes. They are still very much the real deal and they have a legitimate shot at not only winning the Big Ten, but making another run to the Final Four.

Brian Lester is a college basketball writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @BLester1993 or email him at [email protected].