Michigan's interior dominance and clutch defense overcame 22 turnovers, securing a tight 67-63 victory over TCU.
It wasn't pretty, but it was a win. The No. 6 Michigan Wolverines (3-0) walked out of Schollmaier Arena with a hard-earned 67-63 victory over the TCU Horned Frogs (2-2) on Friday night. The box score revealed a litany of offensive struggles—most notably 22 Michigan turnovers—but the final scoreboard reflected the team’s emerging identity: one that leans on interior dominance and clutch defense under second year head coach Dusty May.
In a game where neither side found consistent rhythm from the perimeter, Michigan’s veteran transfers controlled the paint. Yaxel Lendeborg, the UAB transfer, posted his first double-double as a Wolverine with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Sophomore forward Morez Johnson Jr. was equally effective, adding 10 points and a game-high 12 rebounds, cementing Michigan's overwhelming 44-23 advantage on the glass. The Wolverines ultimately outscored the Horned Frogs 36-26 in the paint, often leveraging second and third chances created by their relentless offensive rebounding.
Despite the interior success, Michigan’s high-risk, high-reward attack led to constant giveaways. The 22 turnovers kept the energetic TCU squad, led by guard Brock Harding’s 15 points, in the game. The score remained tight through the first 30 minutes, a defensive slugfest where points felt increasingly precious. The defense, however, was the primary difference-maker in the second half, holding TCU to just 32.3% shooting over the final 20 minutes. Veterans Nimari Burnett and Roddy Gayle Jr. also delivered critical late-game production, complementing the frontcourt dominance. Burnett was instrumental in sealing the outcome, finishing with 8 points, including the final two free throws of the night and a crucial defensive steal with 18 seconds left. Gayle Jr. chipped in 10 points and a team-high six assists, helping Michigan manage the offense during challenging stretches.
The turning point came with just over six minutes remaining. With TCU clinging to a slim lead, the highly touted freshman Trey McKenney delivered a decisive six-point swing. With 6:24 left on the clock, McKenney converted a tough layup through contact for an old-fashioned three-point play, pushing Michigan ahead 52-51. After a defensive stop, McKenney stepped back and drilled a critical three-pointer on the next possession, extending the lead to 57-51. McKenney finished the night with 11 points, but his clutch sequence provided the necessary separation for the Wolverines to finally breathe.
TCU refused to fold, pulling back within two points, 63-61, in the final minute after a Jayden Pierre layup. The Horned Frogs had a golden opportunity to tie or take the lead following a Michigan turnover with 36 seconds left, but a late jump shot attempt from Tanner Toolson misfired. From there, Nimari Burnett and Lendeborg sealed the result at the free-throw line, confirming the 67-63 final score. The Wolverines closed the game 6-for-6 from the line in the final minute, converting when it mattered most.
While the turnovers are a clear area for correction moving forward, securing a difficult non-conference road win against a high-major program is a major positive sign for May’s young squad. They proved they can win with defense and rebounding when the offense stalls, a hallmark of tournament-ready teams.