Michigan unleashed a second-half offensive storm, erasing a halftime deficit with scorching shooting to dominate Maryland on the road.
COLLEGE PARK, MD — The No. 2 Michigan Wolverines (10-0, 2-0 B1G) didn't just survive their road test in the Big Ten; they turned the XFINITY Center into a crucible, melting down a determined Maryland Terrapins squad (6-5, 0-2 B1G) with a second-half offensive masterclass for a decisive 101-83 victory. For the first time this season, the Wolverines trailed at halftime, only to respond with an absolute eruption that affirmed their place among the nation’s elite.
The Terrapins, fired up by a raucous home crowd and the sensational shooting of guard David Coit, who exploded for 22 first-half points, went into the break leading 50-45. Coit was unstoppable from deep, burying six three-pointers in the opening frame as Maryland produced its highest-scoring half of the season against one of the most feared defenses in the country. The crowd was electric, sensing a monumental upset.
The Unstoppable Second-Half Surge
Whatever new head coach Dusty May told his squad in the locker room must have resonated with immediate and devastating effect. The Wolverines came out in the second half with a level of offensive efficiency that was nearly flawless. Michigan shot a staggering 75.0% from the field (18-of-24) and 66.7% from three (6-of-9) after the break, completely suffocating any lingering Maryland momentum.
The key adjustment was simple: feed the beasts.
The interior trio of Yaxel Lendeborg, Aday Mara, and Morez Johnson Jr.,asserted their dominance like a force of nature. Lendeborg, the standout transfer, finished with a game-high 29 points on hyper-efficient 8-of-11 shooting, including a remarkable 4-of-5 from beyond the arc, showcasing his burgeoning versatility. He also notched nine assists, demonstrating his ability to facilitate the offense from the post. Mara added 18 points and 2 blocks, while Johnson Jr. scored 8 points and grabbed six rebounds, forming an impenetrable wall inside the paint.
The point guard play of Elliot Cadeau was instrumental in unleashing this attack. He expertly carved up the Terrapins’ defense, totaling 10 assists against just three turnovers. His vision allowed the Wolverines to capitalize on Maryland’s defensive rotations, leading to countless easy buckets and a massive 44-24 advantage in points in the paint for the night.
The Difference: Big Ten-Caliber Shooting
While David Coit’s historic three-point shooting kept the Terps in contention early, it was Michigan's all-around accuracy that told the final story. The Wolverines finished the night shooting 60.3% from the floor and an incredible 63.2% (12-of-19) from three-point range. Even when the Terps' shots started to miss in the second half, where they managed only 33 points, Michigan's offense continued its relentless pace, pulling away effortlessly.
The Wolverines' bench also proved to be a critical factor, outscoring Maryland's reserves 25-10. Sixth Man L.J. Cason provided an electric spark, scoring 12 points, including three clutch three-pointers, highlighting the depth that makes this Michigan team so dangerous.
This victory moves Michigan to a pristine 10-0 record and a confident 2-0 start in the Big Ten. They showed the mental toughness to weather an opponent's best punch on the road, something championship contenders must be able to do. For Maryland, the stellar performance by Coit is a silver lining, but the inability to stop Michigan's elite frontcourt serves as a stark reminder of the climb ahead in the Big Ten.