NEWNow you can listen to Pak Gazette articles!
Morez Johnson Jr. scored 20 of his career-high 24 points in a record first half and preseason All-America forward Yaxel Lendeborg finished with 12 points to help No. 7 Michigan defeat Oakland 121-78 on Monday night.
The Wolverines scored 69 points at halftime, breaking the first-half scoring record of 66 set in 1987 against Eastern Michigan. They showed some mercy in the second half, allowing the school’s single-game scoring record to stand at 128 points since 1966 against Purdue.
Michigan finished tied for the fifth-highest total in program history.
Johnson, a transfer from Illinois, scored 14 points in the first eight minutes and helped Michigan go on a 20-0 run to take control. The Wolverines didn’t give up, shooting 71% in the first half to lead by 31 points at halftime.
They turned the lights out, literally, halfway through the second half.
Trey McKenney was driving into the lane when the Crisler Center lights went out for about a second before making a three-point play to give the team 100 points. The rookie point guard finished with 21 points.
Lendeborg came off the bench in his Michigan debut after transferring from UAB because he had a bandage protecting his injured right hand.
Will Tschetter scored 16 points, Nimari Burnett scored 14 and Roddy Gayle Jr. added 11 for the Wolverines.
Oakland’s opener should prepare the team for its next two games against No. 1 Purdue and No. 2 Houston on the road in a six-day span.
Isaac Garrett scored 20 points, Tuburu Naivalurua scored 18 and Ziare Wells added 14 for the Golden Grizzlies.
Next
Oakland: At No. 1 Purdue on Friday night.
Michigan: Plays Wake Forest on Nov. 11 in Detroit.
Want great stories delivered straight to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports accountAnd follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter every day!
