UConn Overpowers Michigan in 85-77 Rematch

No. 4 UConn defeated No. 16 Michigan 85-77 on Friday night at TD Garden in Boston.

The game marked a rematch of the previous season's NCAA championship, which Michigan won 69-63. This time, the Huskies controlled the pace, building an 18-point lead during the first half. UConn shot 42% from the field and made nine three-pointers. Michigan struggled from beyond the arc, hitting only seven of 28 attempts. The Wolverines managed to cut the deficit to single digits in the final minute, but UConn secured the win at the free-throw line.

Braylon Mullins led the Huskies with 23 points and went 10 for 11 from the free-throw line. Silas Demary Jr. contributed 21 points and seven rebounds. Colben Landrew added 14 points and eight rebounds off the bench. UConn finished with a 2-0 record. Michigan dropped to 1-1.

Trey McKenney led Michigan with 22 points on 8 of 18 shooting. J.P. Estrella recorded 19 points and nine rebounds. Roddy Gayle Jr. scored 18. Elliot Cadeau, who was named the Most Outstanding Player in the previous year's Final Four, scored eight points before fouling out late in the game.

The loss marked the first defeat for Mike Boynton Jr. in his first season as head coach. Boynton was elevated from assistant to head coach after Dusty May departed to join the NBA's Dallas Mavericks following last season's title run. UConn played without two first-round NBA draft picks who had carried the team during the previous March Madness. The Huskies forced 11 turnovers from Michigan in the opening 20 minutes.

The first half featured a technical foul called on the UConn bench with under five minutes remaining. Coach Dan Hurley walked onto the court in frustration before assistants pulled him back. The incident sparked an 11-2 run for the Huskies to end the first half. UConn enters the halftime break with a 13-point lead.

Michigan hosts Marquette on Wednesday. UConn hosts Wagner on Monday.