Michigan's Bench, Rebounding Edge Result In Easy Win Over Minnesota

This was Michigan's biggest "cruise control" game of the season. None of the Wolverines broke a sweat and at the end of the day, it was a 10-point win. Stud forwards Yaxel Lendeborg and Morez Johnson Jr. combined for just nine points, yet the Wolverines were never really tested. Michigan leaned on balance, the bench and a commanding presence on the boards to secure a 77-67 victory over Minnesota on Tuesday night, turning a competitive first half into a controlled finish down the stretch.

The Wolverines (77 points on 50% shooting) placed four players in double figures, with two of them coming off the bench — LJ Cason and Trey McKenney. The Wolverines also overwhelmed the Golden Gophers on the glass, outrebounding them 39-18. That dominance — including a 10-1 edge in offensive rebounds — helped Michigan control the tempo for much of the night and build a lead that stretched to as many as 18 points in the second half.

Elliot Cadeau led the way with 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting, knocking down three of his seven attempts from beyond the arc while adding five assists. Cason added 14 points on an efficient 5-of-9 night, and McKenney chipped in 12 points, including four three-pointers. Aday Mara was solid with 10 points and five rebounds, while Roddy Gayle Jr. contributed nine points and a team-high seven rebounds, also off the bench.

Michigan shot 42.4% from three-point range (14-of-33) and was perfect at the free-throw line (5-for-5). After taking a 32-28 lead into halftime, the Wolverines erupted for 45 second-half points, shooting nearly 60% after the break to create separation. They led for more than 33 minutes of game time.

Minnesota kept things close early behind Cade Tyson’s 20-point effort. Tyson hit five three-pointers and added six rebounds in 40 minutes. Langston Reynolds added 15 points, while Isaac Asuma and Bobby Durkin each scored 12. The Gophers shot a respectable 45.5% from the field and 35.3% from deep, but their inability to secure rebounds and generate second-chance opportunities proved costly.

One of the game’s most decisive factors came from the benches. Michigan’s reserves poured in 35 points, while Minnesota’s bench was held scoreless. That depth allowed the Wolverines to maintain energy and extend runs, including an 11-0 spurt that helped push the margin into double digits in the second half.

Though Michigan committed 14 turnovers, the rebounding disparity and efficient shooting offset those mistakes. In the end, the Wolverines’ balanced scoring, perimeter accuracy, and control of the paint were too much for Minnesota to overcome, sealing a double-digit conference win at home.