Michigan exploded for 100+ points, showcasing suffocating defense and relentless scoring. Undefeated Wolverines dominate La Salle, signaling holiday season dominance.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — If there were any concerns about a "trap game" lull heading into the Christmas holiday, the Michigan Wolverines silenced them with a resounding exclamation point on Sunday afternoon. Behind a balanced offensive onslaught and a suffocating second-half defensive performance, the No. 2 Wolverines (11-0) dismantled the La Salle Explorers (4-9) by a final score of 102-50 at the Crisler Center.
The victory marks Michigan's second consecutive game eclipsing the 100-point plateau, keeping their undefeated record intact as they head into an eight-day layoff.
A Slow Start, A Fast Correction
For the first six minutes, the game didn't look like the blowout it would eventually become. La Salle used a gritty, physical approach on the boards to keep pace early, eliminating Michigan’s ability to transition quickly. The Explorers even held a brief lead, and the score sat at a modest 7-6 in favor of the Wolverines at the first media timeout.
However, the tide turned the moment head coach Dusty May turned to his bench. Led by sophomore guard L.J. Cason and freshman standout Trey McKenney, Michigan ignited a 13-2 run that shattered La Salle’s composure. Cason’s energy was infectious, highlighted by a smooth spin move in the paint for a left-handed layup that brought the Crisler crowd to its feet.
By the time the starters returned, the momentum was a tidal wave. Junior guard Elliot Cadeau found his rhythm from deep, knocking down consecutive triples to help Michigan build a 54-33 halftime lead.
Defensive Masterclass in the Second Half
While the offense provided the highlights, the second half was a testament to Michigan’s defensive growth. The Wolverines held La Salle to just 17 points in the final 20 minutes of play.
Utilizing a relentless full-court press, Michigan forced the Explorers into a series of turnovers that led to easy transition buckets. The Explorers, who had found some offensive success in the first half through Jaeden Marshall, were completely neutralized after the break.
"We talked at halftime about not just winning the game, but winning the standard," Dusty May said post-game. "Our second-half defensive intensity was exactly what we needed to see before the break."
Stat Leaders and Depth
Michigan’s depth was on full display, with 12 different players finding the scoring column. The Wolverines' ability to produce without overworking their starters was evident, as no starter played more than 21 minutes. Here is some of the impressive production out of Michigan's top players:
Trey McKenney
17
3-for-5 from 3PT
Elliot Cadeau
14
4 assists, 2 steals
Aday Mara
14
7 rebounds, 3 blocks
L.J. Cason
13
5-of-8 FG
Morez Johnson Jr.
10
4 offensive rebounds
Freshman Trey McKenney continues to look like one of the most polished youngsters in the Big Ten, leading all scorers with 17 points. Meanwhile, Aday Mara provided a massive interior presence, altering shots and dominating the paint to ensure La Salle had no second-chance opportunities in the second half.
Looking Ahead
The Wolverines will now enjoy a well-deserved holiday break before returning to action. With an 11-0 record and a scoring offense that is currently among the best in the nation, Michigan has firmly established itself as a national title contender.
The win over La Salle was more than just a "buy game" victory; it was a demonstration of a team that refuses to play down to its competition. As the calendar turns toward the heart of the Big Ten schedule, the rest of the conference has been put on notice: this Michigan team can score in bunches, but they can also shut you down.
Final Score: Michigan 102, La Salle 50