Morez Johnson Jr.'s Career Night Helps Michigan Basketball Win At Washington

After losing its first game of the season a few days ago against Wisconsin at home, Michigan closed the book on a gritty 82–72 win over Washington in Seattle. The Wolverines led for all but about three minutes of the game, built key separation with timely interior scoring and second-chance points, and did enough defensively to keep the Huskies at bay until the final horn.

The foundation of Michigan’s victory was its work inside. The Wolverines scored 50 points in the paint compared to Washington’s 28, consistently getting downhill and finishing through contact, and finding key matchups for Aday Mara, Morez Johnson Jr. and Yaxel Lendeborg. Michigan's big three scored 50 of U-M's 82 points. Mara delivered one of the most efficient performances of the season finishing with 20 points on an ultra-clean 10-of-11 shooting, giving Michigan a reliable scoring anchor every time the offense bogged down.

Off the bench, Roddy Gayle Jr. came in and changed the game immediately with his energy, pace and toughness as the hoop. He added 9 points, while Nimari Burnett chipped in 7, but the most impactful two-way performance came from Johnson Jr. The versatile 6-9 big posted 16 points and a career high 16 rebounds, completely controlling the glass and helping Michigan win the rebounding battle 42–40. His activity created extra possessions that became the difference in a game where neither team shot particularly well from deep.

And that was the story from the perimeter: cold shooting on both sides. Michigan went just 5-for-23 (21.7%) from three, while Washington wasn’t much better at 9-for-33 (27.3%). The Wolverines compensated by attacking the rim and earning trips to the free-throw line, going 13-for-17 (76.5%) compared to Washington’s 9-for-11. It wasn’t always pretty offense, but it was effective enough. Michigan just has so many options that when a lot of things aren't working, a few things still will.

Michigan took a 39–30 lead into halftime, but Washington came out aggressive in the second half, nearly matching Michigan shot-for-shot and briefly cutting the margin down to a two-possession game. Washington's Jacob Ognacevic saw his first action of the season and provided a spark for the Huskies with 10 points on efficient shooting, and freshman JJ Mandaquit came in off the bench and knocked down three triples on his way to 15 points. Still, Washington’s 37.5% shooting overall made it difficult to fully close the gap.

Michigan’s defense played a quiet but crucial role. The Wolverines forced 12 Washington turnovers that often led to run outs, which turned into 11 points. Michigan committed just 8 turnovers themselves. That ball security helped Michigan maintain control even when the shots weren’t falling from outside.

In the end, this was a game that showcased Michigan’s toughness more than its finesse. The Wolverines didn’t rely on hot shooting; they relied on rebounding, paint touches, and composure. Against a Washington team that kept fighting, Michigan proved it could win in multiple ways — a promising sign as the schedule continues to stiffen.

As outlined above, Johnson Jr. was a tone-setter for Michigan with one of the most impactful performances of the season. He finished with 16 points on an efficient 6-for-12 shooting and a perfect 4-for-4 at the free-throw line, but it was his dominance on the glass that truly defined his night. Johnson ripped down 16 rebounds, a career high, consistently extending possessions on the offensive end and erasing second chances for Washington on the defensive end. He also had two steals, one that led to a fastbreak layup, and a block. He was simply all over the place.

His physicality and motor gave Michigan a steady interior presence, especially during stretches when perimeter shots weren’t falling, and his work in the paint was a major reason the Wolverines controlled the tempo and ultimately closed out the 82–72 win.