The Michigan Wolverines used a dominant second half to coast to an 86-61 win over Middle Tennessee on Wednesday at the Crisler Center. Yaxel Lendeborg had a double-double with a season-high 25 points and
12 rebounds to help Michigan improve to 4-0.
Here’s how it all went down.
First half
Will Tschetter, who earned his first start of the season, knocked down a three-pointer on the opening possession to get the scoring started. Middle Tennessee responded with a 6-0 run, then the Wolverines seized control as the half continued.
Michigan put together an 11-0 run to take an 18-9 lead midway through the half. Trey McKenney fueled the run – snatching an offensive rebound and finding Yaxel Lendeborg for a three-pointer. McKenney then hit a triple of his own.
L.J. Cason came up with a steal and dunk as well to force a timeout and put an exclamation point on the run. Just moments later, Roddy Gayle Jr. somehow finished an acrobatic and-one layup to extend the early lead to double digits.
Middle Tennessee continued to stay within striking distance, cutting the deficit to 25-24 before Michigan took a 36-30 lead into the locker room. The Wolverines held an edge in points in the paint (16-6) and fast-break points (9-0) at halftime.
Halftime: Michigan 36, Middle Tennessee 30
Second half
Michigan started the second half with a lot of energy, pushing the lead to 47-32 after making 4-of-5 shots. Elliot Cadeau hit a three-pointer on the first possession of the half, and Morez Johnson Jr. scored back-to-back buckets.
Lendeborg also continued to dominate around the rim, finishing through contact for a pair of three-point plays as Michigan opened the lead up to 19 points. Aday Mara got in on the action, too, throwing down a dunk to extend the lead to 59-40.
With the lead north of 20 points for most of the second half, the Wolverines eventually cruised to a blowout victory. Lendeborg played his best game at Michigan so far, leading all players with 25 points, 12 rebounds and three assists.
The Wolverines finished the game with a significant advantage in points in the paint (50-12), fast-break points (13-0) and defensive rebounds (36-27). Mara compiled 10 points and 10 rebounds, while Cadeau added 10 points in the win.
Final Score: Michigan 86, Middle Tennessee 61
Michigan stat leaders
- F Yaxel Lendeborg: 25 points (season-high), 12 rebounds, 3 assists
- G Elliot Cadeau: 10 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist
- C Aday Mara: 10 points, 10 rebounds
- F Morez Johnson Jr: 9 points, 7 rebounds, 1 block
- G L.J. Cason: 8 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds
Middle Tennessee stat leaders
- G Jahvin Carter: 18 points, 4 rebounds
- F Kamari Lands: 11 points, 6 rebounds
- G Sean Smith: 8 points, 6 rebounds
Up next
Michigan will look to remain unbeaten as it heads to Las Vegas for three games in the Players Era Festival next week. The Wolverines face San Diego State on Monday, Auburn on Tuesday, and a third matchup on Wednesday or Thursday.
