Michigan Dominates UCLA in Commanding Victory
In a commanding performance, the University of Michigan’s basketball team, ranked second, outshone UCLA with an 86-65 triumph on Saturday. Key to this victory was Yaxel Lendeborg, who contributed significantly with 17 points and eight rebounds. This win positions Michigan to potentially reclaim the top ranking in the Associated Press Top 25 polls for the first time since 2013, especially following No. 1 Arizona’s recent loss to No. 9 Kansas.
Wolverines’ Impressive Season
Currently holding an impressive record of 24 wins and only one loss (14-1 in the Big Ten), the Wolverines are riding a winning streak of 10 games. Their success this season comes as a surprise given the program’s struggles just two years ago when they suffered a school record of 24 defeats. Coach Dusty May has effectively utilized the transfer portal to assemble a well-rounded and talented squad.
Key Moments in the Game
In Saturday’s game, Michigan made a remarkable run by hitting nine consecutive shots early in the second half, including two three-pointers from Lendeborg, turning a tight contest into a decisive win. Other notable contributors for the Wolverines were Morez Johnson with 15 points, LJ Cason with 13, Nimari Burnett with 12, and Aday Mara, who added nine points, eight rebounds, and three blocks against his former team.
UCLA’s Efforts
For UCLA, their performance was highlighted by Trent Perry’s 14 points, with 11 scored in the first half, and Tyler Bilodeau adding another 10 in the same period, keeping the game competitive as they trailed by only two points at halftime.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, UCLA is set to face No. 10 Michigan State on Tuesday, while Michigan will travel to No. 13 Purdue the same day. This upcoming match is crucial for both teams as they navigate the highly competitive landscape of college basketball.
