FORT WORTH, Texas – The sixth-ranked University of Michigan men’s basketball team pulled off an exciting 67-63 win against TCU on Friday night. With standout performances from Morez Johnson Jr. and Yaxel Lendeborg, the Wolverines turned up the heat in the second half at the Ed and Rae Schollmaier Arena.
Lendeborg shone brightest, scoring 14 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Johnson wasn’t far behind, contributing 10 points and 12 boards. Trey McKenney scored 11 and Roddy Gayle Jr. added 10 points with six assists, making a strong impact on the court.
The second half started with a spark from Nimari Burnett, who quickly scored four points. Yet, TCU kept the momentum, stretching their lead to 49-43. The Wolverines fought back and closed the gap to just two points as the game progressed. A crucial putback from Lendeborg and an “and-one” play by McKenney shifted the game in Michigan’s favor, bringing the score to 52-51.
Things heated up as Johnson’s layup widened the lead to 54-51. McKenney’s second three-pointer extending their lead to 57-53 showed the Wolverines’ resilience. They held the lead down the stretch, keeping TCU at bay. In the final moments, TCU rallied with a quick 5-0 run to narrow the score to 63-61, but Burnett’s free throws sealed the win for Michigan.
In the first half, TCU’s strategy disrupted the Wolverines’ rhythm early on, allowing them to jump to a 16-8 lead while Michigan hit a five-minute scoring drought. Yet, a burst from Lendeborg combined with a transition three-pointer from Elliot Cadeau shifted the momentum, giving Michigan a brief advantage.
The teams continuously exchanged leads, with the Horned Frogs holding the edge 35-31 at halftime. A late layup from L.J. Cason cut the deficit to just two points before the break.
Looking ahead, Michigan returns home to Crisler Center on Wednesday, November 19, for a matchup against undefeated Middle Tennessee. This game will also celebrate Military Appreciation Night, allowing fans to engage with and honor the military community.
Interesting Insights:
Player Highlights: Lendeborg’s 10 rebounds pushed him past 800 in his Division I career, underlining his pivotal role in the team’s success with a career total now at 1,679 rebounds.
Assists Trend: With Gayle surpassing five assists for the tenth time in his career, it’s worth noting that Michigan has seen a player achieve five-plus assists in all three games this season, highlighting their team play.
Fan Reactions: Social media buzzed after the game, with fans praising Lendeborg’s double-double. One user tweeted, “Lendeborg is a beast! Can’t wait for what’s next!” showing the excitement and optimism surrounding the team’s future.
The Bigger Picture:
This victory reflects Michigan’s growth and resilience. Historically, teams that can rally in tough situations often perform better as the season progresses. According to recent stats, teams that dominate in second half comeback scenarios tend to advance further in tournaments.
This thrilling win not only boosts team morale but also signals to the rest of the league that Michigan is a formidable opponent this season.
