Balanced scoring, late free throws and some big defensive stops helped the Wolverines escape Iowa City, completing a perfect run away from home in Big Ten play.
Michigan once again proved comfortable away from Ann Arbor on Thursday night, grinding out a 71–68 win over Iowa behind a balanced offensive effort and timely plays in the closing seconds.
The Wolverines shot an efficient 53% from the field and placed four players in double figures as they held off a late Hawkeyes push. Michigan improved its already impressive road résumé in the process, quietly moving to a perfect 10–0 in Big Ten road games this season.
Michigan (71 points on 24-of-45 shooting) leaned on multiple contributors throughout the night. Elliot Cadeau is now THE guy at point guard with LJ Cason out and he was solid. He scored 11 points and dished out 9 assists. He did turn it over four times, and did not attempt a 3-pointer, but he was key at the 1 and will be moving forward. Morez Johnson Jr. and Yaxel Lendeborg each scored 16 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead the team in both categories. Johnson Jr. also knocked down two 3-pointers.
Aday Mara chipped in 14 points on an efficient 7-of-10 shooting night and grabbed eight rebounds himself, providing Michigan with a steady interior presence. Despite Cadeau not shooting from beyond the arc, the Wolverines shot 50% from out there (6-of-12).
The game was tightly contested throughout. Both teams were tied 30–30 at halftime, and neither side managed to pull away by more than a handful of possessions in the second half. Michigan’s largest lead came midway through the final period when the Wolverines went on a 7–0 run to stretch the margin to 10.
Iowa answered behind Bennett Stirtz, who led all scorers with 21 points, including four 3-pointers. The Hawkeyes also got 14 points from Cam Manyawu, who added eight rebounds while battling Michigan’s frontcourt before fouling out.
The Hawkeyes cut the lead to one possession in the final seconds, but Michigan executed when it mattered most. Roddy Gayle Jr. had a massive block and then a swipe down that went out of bounds off an Iowa player in the waning moments. That led to some key free throws in crunch time. With four seconds remaining, Lendeborg calmly knocked down two to push the Wolverines ahead 71–68.
Iowa still had one final chance, but Stirtz’s three-point attempt at the buzzer missed, and Johnson Jr. secured the defensive rebound to seal the victory.
Michigan’s rebounding edge (38–25) and efficient shooting ultimately proved decisive. The Wolverines also converted 17-of-22 free throws and generated 14 assists on their 24 made baskets.
While the win may not have been flashy, it was another example of Michigan’s ability to close out tough games away from home — something the Wolverines have done consistently all season as they continue to stack wins in Big Ten play.