BLOOMINGTON, Indiana (AP) — In a heart-stopping showdown, Danny Wolf dominated with 20 points and nine rebounds, while Tre Donaldson and Vladislav Goldin contributed 18 points each to lead No. 24 Michigan to a hard-fought 70-67 triumph over a relentless Indiana squad on Saturday. Wolf also showcased his playmaking skills with five assists as the Wolverines (18-5, 10-2) extended their winning streak to four games, securing victory in five of their last six contests. The return of coach Dusty May to Assembly Hall, a former Indiana student manager and protege of legendary coach Bob Knight, proved pivotal as Michigan snapped a four-game losing streak in the series.
Malik Reneau spearheaded the Hoosiers’ effort with 16 points and five assists, despite battling through with a brace on his right knee. This came on the heels of the announcement by athletic director Scott Dolson that coach Mike Woodson would not be returning next season. Mackenzie Mgbako also made a significant impact for Indiana with 15 points and 11 rebounds, but it was not enough to end their five-game losing streak (14-10, 5-8).
Michigan had established a comfortable 45-27 lead with just over a minute remaining in the first half, only for Indiana to mount a spirited comeback in the second half, eventually knotting the score at 59 with 4:08 left in the game. However, Michigan responded with a crucial 7-2 run, sealing the fate of the Hoosiers who were unable to stage a recovery.
Key Observations:
Michigan: The Wolverines have displayed a penchant for thriving in close contests, emerging victorious in their last four games decided by four points or fewer. Despite the challenge posed by Indiana, Michigan once again demonstrated their ability to come through in clutch moments.
Indiana: Despite another slow start, the Hoosiers exhibited resilience and fought hard throughout the game.
Turning Point:
The game-changing moment arrived when Goldin executed a decisive cut to the basket on a fast break, setting himself up for a momentum-shifting dunk with 3:05 remaining on the clock.
Key Stat:
Michigan outscored Indiana 34-26 in points in the paint and 12-7 in points off turnovers, showcasing their efficiency in critical areas.
Upcoming Matches:
The Wolverines are set to host No. 7 Purdue in their next game, while the Hoosiers will hit the road to face off against No. 9 Michigan State on Tuesday night.
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