Michigan Overpowers Maryland in Big Ten Road Test
COLLEGE PARK, Md. (Interstat) — In a high-octane Big Ten clash defined by explosive offense and a dramatic second-half reversal, the undefeated Michigan Wolverines overpowered the Maryland Terrapins 101-83 on Saturday night at a sold-out Xfinity Center.
The game’s pivotal shift occurred after halftime. Maryland, fueled by a scorching first-half shooting performance from guard David Coit, took a 50-45 lead into the break. Coit poured in 23 of his 31 points before intermission, connecting on 7 of 11 three-point attempts in the opening period as the Terrapins shot 52.5% from the field and 53.8% from deep.
However, Michigan’s defensive adjustments and superior efficiency proved overwhelming in the final 20 minutes. The Wolverines, who entered the game averaging over 96 points per contest, unleashed a 56-point second half while holding Maryland to just 33 points on 37.5% shooting. The Terrapins’ ball movement, which produced only three assists all game, stagnated against a swarming Michigan defense that recorded eight blocks and six steals.
The catalyst for Michigan’s surge was forward Yaxel Lendeborg. The 6-foot-9 junior from Pennsauken, New Jersey, delivered a dominant all-around performance with 29 points, nine assists and three blocks in 36 minutes. He was instrumental in the second-half run, scoring 18 points after halftime and facilitating the offense with precision. His connection with 7-foot-3 center Aday Mara was particularly effective; Mara finished with 18 points on 8-of-10 shooting, four assists and two blocks.
Michigan’s offensive execution was nearly flawless. The Wolverines shot 60.3% from the field and a blistering 63.2% from three-point range, making 12 of 19 attempts. They also capitalized at the free-throw line, converting 19 of 22. Their offensive rating of 139.4 points per 100 possessions underscored a remarkably efficient night against a Maryland team that managed a strong 118.3 rating itself but could not keep pace.
Point guard Elliot Cadeau orchestrated the attack with a double-double of 12 points and 10 assists, while guards LJ Cason and Nimari Burnett each added 12 points. The Wolverines’ depth was on full display as they assisted on 20 of their 35 made field goals and committed only nine turnovers.
For Maryland, Coit’s 31-point effort, which included seven three-pointers, was the lone consistent bright spot. Myles Rice added 15 points, but the Terrapins’ offense became overly reliant on contested jumpers as the game progressed. Forward Pharrel Payne contributed seven points, three blocks and two assists before fouling out.
The victory extends Michigan’s perfect start to 10-0 overall and 1-0 in the Big Ten. The Wolverines have won each of their last three games by at least 18 points. Maryland falls to 5-5 overall and 0-1 in conference play.
The most important sequence of the game came early in the second half, erasing Maryland’s momentum and cushion. After a technical foul on Maryland’s Solomon Washington and two free throws from Lendeborg, the Wolverines embarked on a decisive 15-2 run over a four-minute span. The surge turned a 56-53 deficit into a 68-58 lead, featuring two three-pointers from Lendeborg and capped by a Cason three-pointer assisted by Lendeborg. Maryland never recovered, as Michigan’s lead ballooned to as many as 22 points in the closing minutes.
Michigan next hosts La Salle on Dec. 21. Maryland travels to face Virginia on Dec. 20.