Michigan
10-3,2-0Big Ten
Western Kentucky
9-4,0-0CUSA
U-M Ties Program Record in Dominant Win Over Western Kentucky in Non-Conference Finale
12/29/2024 11:20:00 PM | Men's Basketball
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan men's basketball team defeated Western Kentucky 112-64 on Sunday (Dec. 29) in its final non-conference matchup at Crisler Center.
Leaders and Best
Vladislav Goldin and Nimari Burnett led U-M with 17 points each, while Sam Walters added 13 points -- 11 coming in the second half -- and four rebounds. Danny Wolf and Tre Donaldson each recorded a double-double with Wolf scoring 12 points and grabbing 10 rebounds; Donaldson's 12 points and career-high 11 boards marked the first of his career. Roddy Gayle Jr. also added 11 points.
First Half
Michigan (10-3) jumped out to an 18-9 lead in the first five minutes thanks to shooting 4-for-5 from behind the arc, including Goldin's second career three-pointer.
From the 11-minute mark, U-M went on a 17-7 run to take a 45-25 lead with six minutes left after Justin Pippen's back-to-back threes. Seven Wolverines converted from behind the arc in the first half, setting a new season high with 11 three-point field goals made in a half.
Over the last five minutes, Michigan closed out on a 13-4 run, holding a 59-31 advantage at the break. U-M's 59 points in the first half set a new season high, and each of the nine Wolverines that entered the game also scored. The Wolverines scored 19 baskets on 13 assists while also holding Western Kentucky without an assist in the half.
Second Half
U-M outscored the Hilltoppers 13-6 in the first four minutes and had 72 points by the first media timeout. The Wolverines continued to shoot well from three-point range, making 48 percent of its shots from behind the arc throughout the game. Nine players converted from three, including Burnett's game-high five.
At the 6:05 mark, Wolf's three-pointer gave Michigan 19 for the game, tying a program record. Despite not making another field goal until two seconds remained in the game, the Wolverines set a new season high with their 112 points.
What's Next
Michigan opens January with a road trip to Los Angeles, first taking on USC at the Galen Center on Saturday (Jan. 4) at 5 p.m. PST. The game will be broadcast live on Fox.
Notes
• With Sunday's win, Michigan closed out its non-conference slate with an 8-3 record.
• Michigan's 19 three-pointers matched the program record, previously set against Central Arkansas on Dec. 13, 2016.
• U-M's 112 points marked the first time it has scored more than 110 points since Nov. 22, 2019, when it beat Houston Baptist 111-68.
• Goldin scored in double figures for the seventh consecutive game.
• Goldin made two three-pointers, setting a new career high. He has now made three three-pointers in his career, all coming this season.
• Burnett tied his career high with five three-pointers.
