Without Jett Howard, Wolverines Fall 70-75 in Tough Loss Against #1 Ranked Boilermakers
Photo Credit: Aaron J. Thornton The Michigan Men’s Hoop Squad hosted the #1 team in the country, the Purdue Boilermakers, on Thursday night, January 26 at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines looked to have an encore performance to last year’s big win over then #3 ranked Purdue and pick up a marquee win … Continued
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Purdue came into the game led by 7’4” big man Zach Edey, a potential All Big Ten first team candidate. Edey made his presence known early, scoring the team’s first seven points of the game. Not to be out done, Hunter Dickinson of the Wolverines made his first two shots of the game keeping Michigan close. The teams traded baskets and saw multiple lead changes for the first 13 minutes of the game before Purdue went on a 15-0 run late in the first half. To close out the half, Dickinson would make his second three point basket of the half followed by two free throws to bring Michigan within six points at the break.
The Maize and Blue played the Boilermakers just as tough in the second half, managing the game well and not allowing Purdue to have any large runs, thus keeping the upset hopes alive. Infact, Michigan was able to cut the Purdue lead to just 3 points with less than 10 seconds left. Michigan then fouled Purdue Forward Brandon Newman as the ball was inbounded, giving him two free throws and a chance to make it a two possession game. Newman did just that, making both shots, and sealing the Purdue victory.
Being without the team’s second leading scorer in Howard, Michigan needed to utilize their “next man up” mentality and team motto. In this game, it was Joey Baker, who started in Howard’s place, stepping up and finishing with 11 points in 29 minutes of play with no turnovers. Dickinson ended up leading all scorers in the game with 21 points. For Purdue, Zach Edey finished with 19 points and 9 rebounds. The Boilermakers also had 17 points from Freshman Guard Fletcher Loyer.
Coach Juwan Howard mentioned that he was proud of his team for playing hard for the entire game, describing his team as competitors in the post game press conference. Dickinson brought up how fun it was to play against Edey as another great player in the conference and in college basketball. Michigan (11-9) will take on Penn State (13-7) on Sunday on the road. Purdue (20-1) will host Michigan State (14-7) at home on Sunday as well.
Final Score: 75-70
