No. 7 Michigan Stomps No. 12 Gonzaga to Cap Off Dominant Players Era Festival Run
In a highly anticipated top-15 matchup between two undefeated teams, the 7th-ranked Michigan Wolverines offense caught fire yet again, blowing out the 12th-ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs 101-61 to take home this year’s Player Era Championship in Las Vegas.
Michigan Continues to Showcase Their Offensive Prowess
After two blowout wins over San Diego State and No. 21 Auburn to reach the Players Era championship game, the Wolverines proved once again why they possess the best in the nation. The Wolverines finished the game shooting a scorching 60% from the field, while also raining in 13 threes on a highly efficient 48% to boot.
The 101 points scored by Michigan were also the third time in 7 games this season that the Wolverines crossed the century mark in a single game. Michigan is also one of only a handful of undefeated teams in college basketball this season, averaging over 95 points per game, and the only Division 1 program on that same list.
Wolverines Get Scoring Production from Everyone
It was a group effort in this game for Michigan, as almost every player seemed to score at will against a Gonzaga team that simply couldn’t match. Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg put a stamp on a terrific Players Era festival with 20 points to go along with 11 rebounds. Of course, Lendeborg’s production was helped in part by his teammate Elliot Cadeau, who dished out 13 assists as he set the table for the Wolverines’ offense to feast throughout the game.
The Wolverines also got a spark off the bench to help keep piling the points on, as Michigan’s 6th man, Trey McKenney, poured in 17 points on an efficient 66% from the field to help give the team an extra boost.
Game to Forget for Graham Ike and Gonzaga
While Michigan was busy feasting on Gonzaga’s defense, the Bulldogs’ offense saw its worst outing to date this season, alongside their star forward Graham Ike. The Wyoming transfer only managed to score 1 point for Gonzaga on the night, a far cry from his efficient 13-point outing against Maryland the game prior.
The 61 points scored by Gonzaga were also the lowest point total of the season for the Bulldogs, who also came into the game with one of the more high-powered offenses in the country. The Bulldogs will have much to ponder over before they clash with the 19th-ranked Kentucky Wildcats in Nashville on December 5th.
