Purdue, Mackey Arena No Match For Michigan

Michigan used a blistering first half and balanced scoring effort to power past Purdue, 91–80, in a high-level Big Ten showdown that showcased the Wolverines’ offensive firepower and depth. The Wolverines also played enough tough, timely defense to keep Purdue's big guns at bay.

The Wolverines (91 points on 53% shooting) set the tone early, racing out to a 48–32 halftime lead behind sharp ball movement and efficient perimeter shooting. Michigan knocked down 13-of-23 from three-point range (57%) for the game and shot 78% from the free-throw line, consistently answering Purdue runs to maintain control.

Elliot Cadeau led Michigan with 17 points on 6-of-12 shooting, including 3-of-5 from deep, while adding seven assists to steer the offense. The Wolverines finished with 24 assists on 30 made field goals, a reflection of their rhythm and connectivity throughout the night.

Michigan’s frontcourt presence was equally important. Morez Johnson Jr. (12 points, 11 rebounds) and Yaxel Lendeborg (13 points) provided interior scoring, while big man Aday Mara delivered a dominant all-around performance with 10 points and 11 rebounds of his own. He also had two blocks and altered several other shots, as usual. Michigan won the rebounding battle 39–31 and held a 26–17 edge in defensive boards, limiting Purdue’s second-chance opportunities.

Trey McKenney and Nimari Burnett also chipped in timely contributions, with Burnett hitting a three-pointer and helping stretch the floor. McKenney continues to improve and scored a big 13 off the bench. LJ Cason was aggressive attacking the rim and getting to the line, finishing a perfect 6-for-6 from the stripe as part of his 13-point effort.

Purdue leaned heavily on Trey Kaufman-Renn, who poured in a game-high 27 points on 12-of-26 shooting and grabbed 12 rebounds. Braden Smith added 20 points and six assists, and Fletcher Loyer scored 11. However, the Boilermakers struggled to find consistent efficiency beyond their primary options, shooting just 39% from the field and 8-of-26 (31%) from three.

While Purdue kept attacking and shot an impressive 90% (18-of-20) from the free-throw line, Michigan’s offensive balance proved too much. The Wolverines also capitalized on Purdue’s cold stretches, including a decisive 16–0 run in the first half that pushed their advantage to 20 points.

Despite Purdue outscoring Michigan 48–43 in the second half, the early deficit was too much to overcome. Michigan controlled the tempo for much of the night, leading for over 33 minutes and keeping the Boilermakers from ever fully flipping the momentum.

Defensively, Michigan added five blocks and three steals, contesting shots and forcing Purdue into tough looks. Though the Wolverines committed 14 turnovers, their offensive efficiency more than compensated. Smith finished with 20 points, but much of it was simply too late as U-M's length and versatility bothered him all night long.

In a matchup that featured two of the Big Ten’s most physical and disciplined teams, Michigan’s shot-making and unselfish play were the difference. When the Wolverines move the ball and knock down perimeter shots at this rate, they are difficult for anyone in the country to contain.

The 91–80 victory reinforces Michigan’s ability to compete with the league’s best — and shows that when their offense is humming, they can dictate terms against even the conference’s toughest opponents.