The Michigan Wolverines blew past the San Diego State Aztecs 94-54 in the opening matchup of the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas on Monday. Yaxel Lendeborg led the charge with 15 points and six rebounds as Michigan improved to 5-0.
Here’s how it all went down.
First half
San Diego State jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the opening minute, but Michigan immediately responded with a 17-2 run, fueled by Yaxel Lendeborg recording six points, two rebounds and two assists during the run to build a 10-point advantage.
Will Tschetter also knocked down two 3-pointers off the bench as the Wolverines continued to dominate the first half. Later in the half, Nimari Burnett broke out of his recent slump – scoring seven straight points to extend the lead to 32-15.
The Aztecs made three shots in a row to cut the deficit to 34-23, but Aday Mara and Roddy Gayle Jr. scored back-to-back buckets to help Michigan regain momentum. In the final minute of the half, Burnett hit his second 3-pointer of the night.
Michigan simply had too much size and strength for San Diego State in the first half, having an advantage in rebounds (25-17), points in the paint (18-8) and second chance points (12-3). The Wolverines took a 45-33 lead into the locker room.
Halftime: Michigan 45, San Diego State 33
Second half
Lendeborg stayed hot in the early stages of the second half, connecting on a 3-pointer to extend the lead to 53-33. Michigan opened the half on a 16-6 spurt, holding San Diego State without a made field goal for more than four minutes.
Gayle Jr. was a big part of the run, throwing down a fastbreak dunk and scoring a contested layup, followed by a steal and finishing an and-1 to build a 66-39 lead. The crowd couldn’t help but chant “Roddy, Roddy…” after that sequence.
Elliot Cadeau went on a streak of his own, scoring 10 points in under three minutes, including a smooth reverse layup. LJ Cason put the finishing touches on the blowout win, punching in a fastbreak slam to put the Wolverines up 84-49.
It was the most impressive win of the season so far as Michigan totally overwhelmed San Diego State – outscoring the Aztecs 49-21 in the second half alone. The Wolverines won 94-54, behind 38 points in the paint and 28 points off turnovers.
Final Score: Michigan 94, San Diego State 54
Up next
Michigan will now face the Auburn Tigers in the second game of the Players Era Festival on Tuesday at 8:30 PM on TNT. The matchup will be a rematch of the Sweet Sixteen as Auburn ended Michigan’s run in the NCAA Tournament last season.
The Wolverines will play the final game of the tournament on Wednesday or Thursday, with the opponent TBD.
Michigan stat leaders
- F Yaxel Lendeborg: 15 points (5-of-7 FG), 6 rebounds, 4 assists
- F Morez Johnson Jr: 13 points, 6 rebounds
- G Elliot Cadeau: 13 points (3-of-5 3PFG), 3 rebounds, 1 steal
- G Nimari Burnett: 11 points, 7 rebounds
- G Roddy Gayle Jr: 11 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists
- F Will Tschetter: 10 points (2-of-6 3PFG), 3 rebounds
San Diego State stat leaders
- G Elzie Harrington: 15 points (6-of-9 FG), 1 assist
- G BJ Davis: 11 points, 3 rebounds
- F Magoon Gwath: 7 points, 2 rebounds
