Michigan defeats McNeese 112-71
McNeese Stunned by Michigan in Crushing 41-Point Blowout at Crisler Center
In a statement win, No. 13 Michigan dominated its non-conference foe McNeese 112-71 on Wednesday night at the Crisler Center.
The game was never close, with Michigan taking an insurmountable 60-29 lead at halftime. The Wolverines continued to pull away in the second half, building a 52-point advantage by the end of the first period.
Michigan's offense clicked on all cylinders, shooting 59% from the field and 75% from the paint while committing only 15 turnovers. Morez Johnson Jr., who finished with a double-double, led the team in scoring, points, and rebounds, accounting for 24 points, 11 rebounds, and one assist.
The Wolverines' defense was equally stifling, holding McNeese to just 29% shooting from the field and forcing nine turnovers. The Cowboys managed only seven made three-pointers on 8-for-34 attempt, further showcasing Michigan's defensive prowess.
For McNeese, Garwey Dual led the way with 15 points but struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 3-of-7 attempts. Larry Johnson contributed 14 points and seven rebounds for the Cowboys but ultimately were not enough to overcome the Wolverines' dominance.
The win marks a significant statement for Michigan as they look to build momentum heading into conference play. The blowout victory also highlights the team's ability to dominate on both ends of the floor, with its high-powered offense and stifling defense proving too much for McNeese to handle.
Michigan's strong performance was highlighted by several advanced statistics, including an efficient field goal percentage (64.3%), a free throw rate of 71.4%, and a turnover ratio of 18.5%. The Wolverines' true shooting percentage also stood at 67.6% – a testament to their overall efficiency on offense.
In contrast, McNeese struggled with its shooting percentage at just 34.6% from the field, while their free throw rate was significantly lower at 30.8%.
With the win, Michigan continues to build momentum as it heads into a busy stretch of non-conference games. The team's strong performance against McNeese serves as a reminder of the Wolverines' depth and talent.