Michigan
9-3,2-0Big Ten
Purdue Fort Wayne
9-5,2-1Horizon
U-M Bounces Back with Win Over Purdue Fort Wayne
12/22/2024 3:12:00 PM | Men's Basketball
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The No. 24-ranked University of Michigan men's basketball team defeated Purdue Fort Wayne, 89-58, on Sunday (Dec. 22) in a non-conference contest at the Crisler Center.
Leaders and Best
• Five different Wolverines scored in double figures. Tre Donaldson led all scorers with 16 points, adding six rebounds and three assists. Vladislav Goldin added 13 points, and Roddy Gayle Jr. scored 12. Nimari Burnett and Justin Pippen each scored 10 points.
First Half
Michigan (9-3; 2-0 B1G) jumped out to an early lead thanks to efficient and balanced shot-making. Eight different Wolverines scored in the first eight minutes on 82 percent shooting. After trading baskets to start the game, the Wolverines went on a 20-4 run over the next seven minutes, leading 23-6 with 11:57 to go.
U-M continued to shoot well but struggled taking care of the ball, committing 11 turnovers in the first half. This prompted an 8-7 stretch for Purdue Fort Wayne (9-5; 2-1 Horizon), but the Mastodons struggled to claw back further, as they shot 33 percent from the field and were out-rebounded 22-5.
Michigan shot the ball at a remarkable clip. The Wolverines set new season highs for field goal and three-point percentage in a half, shooting 77.8 percent and 75 percent (9-for-12) in the opening period.
Not only was Michigan's offense efficient, but it was also balanced; 10 different Wolverines entered the game in the first half, and each of them had at least three points. Michigan also tied its season high for points in a half with 54, leading Purdue Fort Wayne 54-29 at the break.
Second Half
Michigan started off the half on a 13-2 run in the first four minutes, leading 67-31. The Wolverines continued to score at will around the rim, with 22 of 25 points in the first 12 minutes coming in the paint.
U-M took better care of the ball in the second half with just seven turnovers. While Michigan's shooting percentage dropped to 50 percent, the Wolverines held the Mastodons to a 31.3 percent rate to maintain their lead. Michigan held a steady lead throughout the half, and 16 different players entered the game, with the bench scoring 34 points.
What's Next
Michigan will host Western Kentucky in its final non-conference matchup at the Crisler Center on Sunday (Dec. 29). The game will be broadcast live on Big Ten Network, with tip slated for 8 p.m.
Notes
• Michigan set new season highs for field goal percentage and three-point percentage in a half in the first half. The Wolverines shot 77.8 percent from the field and 75 percent from three in the opening period.
• Michigan's 54 points in the first half tied the season-high for points in a half, with the Wolverines also scoring 54 in the first half vs. Cleveland State (Nov. 4).
• U-M had 10 different scorers on the day, setting a new season high.
• Pippen set new career highs in points (10), rebounds (four), three-point field goals (two) and assists (two).
• Goldin has scored double figures in six straight games and seven of his last eight.
• Burnett continues to shoot the ball efficiently from three-point range. Today was his seventh game with two-plus three-pointers, and he is shooting 41 percent from three on the season.
