Michigan
16-12,10-7Big Ten
Rutgers
17-11,9-8Big Ten
Michigan Defense Shines in Gritty Road Win Over Rutgers
2/23/2023 11:45:00 PM | Men's Basketball
PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- After a strong defensive performance that allowed a season-low 45 points and forced 13 turnovers, the University of Michigan men's basketball team defeated Rutgers 58-45 on Thursday night (Feb. 23) at Jersey Mike's Arena.
Leaders and Best
Dug McDaniel paced the Wolverines with 16 points and a career-best five steals. Kobe Bufkin posted his seventh straight game in double figures with 14 points, and Hunter Dickinson recorded his ninth double-double of the season with 13 points and 11 rebounds.
Turning Point
With a two-point lead and 10 minutes to play, the Michigan defense clamped down, holding Rutgers (17-11, 9-8 Big Ten) scoreless and forcing three turnovers over the next four minutes to take an eight-point lead. The Wolverines allowed only seven points the rest of the game to pick up the win.
Second Half
Despite a low-scoring first half, both teams dialed up the offense out of the break, shooting a combined 6-for-12 in the first five minutes of the half. During the opening stretch, Michigan (16-12, 10-7 Big Ten) outscored Rutgers 10-5 and grew its halftime lead to eight after a three-pointer from Dickinson.
The Scarlet Knights countered with five unanswered points, and after the two teams traded baskets for nearly four minutes, Michigan held a 40-38 lead with 10 minutes to play.
The Wolverines held Rutgers scoreless for the next four minutes, forcing three turnovers during that span to increase their lead back to eight. With just over two minutes to play, Bufkin made a driving layup that expanded the U-M advantage to double digits. With Rutgers forced to foul, Michigan converted its free throws down the stretch to seal the win.
First Half
Michigan fell behind 6-3 after Rutgers made each of its first three field goals and McDaniel buried a three-pointer to get U-M on the board. However, the Wolverines missed their next 10 shots from the field, allowing Rutgers to go on a 9-0 run over the next six minutes.
Dickinson ended the drought with a hook shot and immediately followed up with a dunk to cut the U-M deficit to 13-7. On Michigan's next possession, Bufkin knocked down a three from the corner to pull within three and force a Rutgers timeout with just under 10 minutes remaining in the half. Out of the timeout, Bufkin made a layup to cap off a 9-0 run for the Wolverines.
Rutgers answered with a 6-0 run, bringing its lead back up to seven. Michigan then outscored the Scarlet Knights 10-2 over the next four minutes, with a Dickinson hook shot giving U-M its first lead of the game, 22-21. The Wolverines' lead grew to four after a three-pointer from Baker, and after the teams traded free throws in the final seconds of the half, Michigan held the advantage, 26-23.
What's Next
The Wolverines will return to Crisler Center for the final home game of the regular season when they take on Wisconsin on Sunday (Feb. 26). Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m., and the game will be broadcast live on CBS.
Notes
• McDaniel's five steals are the most for a Wolverine since Zavier Simpson also earned five against Villanova on Nov. 14, 2018.
• After going 6-for-12 from the field, McDaniel is shooting 55 percent (12-for-22) and has scored 34 points over his last two games.
• Terrance Williams II returned from a two-game absence, collecting nine rebounds and scoring four points off the bench. He averages 6.2 rebounds per game, which ranks second among Wolverines.
• Dickinson posted his 27th double-double (13 points, 11 rebounds), giving him the 10th most in school history.
• For the eighth straight season, Michigan has at least 10 Big Ten wins. The Wolverines have accomplished the feat in 11 of the last 12 seasons.
