Cincinnati Defeats Michigan Basketball in Exhibition Match
The Cincinnati Bearcats triumphed over the Michigan Wolverines with a narrow 100-98 victory during an exhibition match at Crisler Center. The game took place on Friday, showcasing an intense battle between the two teams.
Cincinnati Defeats Michigan Basketball in Exhibition Match
Cincinnati took an early lead, displaying a strong interior game while Michigan struggled with key players sidelined due to minor injuries. The absence of centers Aday Mara and Morez Johnson Jr. impacted Michigan’s size, allowing Cincinnati to dominate the paint early on.
Game Highlights
The first half saw Michigan fall behind, trailing 52-34 at halftime. Early on, Roddy Gayle Jr. and Elliot Cadeau helped Michigan find momentum, with Cadeau assisting Yaxel Lendeborg for a three-pointer. However, Michigan faced challenges with turnovers, committing 14 in the first half and shooting only 2-for-12 from beyond the arc.
- First Half Score: Cincinnati 52, Michigan 34
- Cincinnati’s Strengths:
- 24 points in the paint
- 12 second-chance points
- 24-6 run during the first half
After halftime, Michigan emerged with renewed energy. The Wolverines initiated a 9-0 run, with Lendeborg scoring nine points in just three minutes. Cadeau’s defensive efforts and assists were pivotal during this stretch.
Late-Game Rally
Michigan continued to chip away at the deficit, with Gayle and Tschetter providing essential contributions. The Wolverines reduced the margin to just two points with 4.3 seconds remaining. Tschetter’s three-pointer brought the score to 100-98, but Cincinnati skillfully managed the clock to secure the win.
- Final Score: Cincinnati 100, Michigan 98
- Top Performers:
- Yaxel Lendeborg: 31 points, 12 rebounds
- Roddy Gayle Jr.: 18 points, 3 rebounds
- Will Tschetter: 15 points, 1 rebound
- Elliot Cadeau: 14 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds
Looking ahead, Michigan will face St. John’s in its final exhibition game on October 25 before beginning the regular season against Oakland on November 3. Despite the loss, the team’s second-half performance provides positive momentum moving forward.
