Michigan Keeps Rolling: Wolverines Head to Evanston Riding Historic Momentum
The No. 2-ranked Michigan Wolverines aren’t just winning - they’re dominating. At 22-1 overall and 12-1 in Big Ten play, they’ve built the best start in program history and are showing no signs of slowing down. Next up: a midweek road test against Northwestern in Evanston.
Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Central Time on Wednesday at Welsh-Ryan Arena, with the game airing on Big Ten Network. After this one, Michigan heads back to Ann Arbor for a Valentine’s Day showdown with UCLA.
Wolverines vs. Wildcats: A One-Sided History
Michigan has long had the upper hand in this matchup. The Wolverines own a commanding 120-60 all-time lead over Northwestern and have taken eight of the last ten meetings. In Evanston specifically, Michigan holds a 48-38 edge and has won three of the last four at Welsh-Ryan.
That said, the Wildcats did notch a notable home win not long ago - a 76-62 victory on February 22, 2024. But since then, it’s been all Michigan.
Last season’s lone meeting was a thriller. Behind a career-high 31 points from Vladislav Goldin, Michigan stormed back from a slow start to edge Northwestern 80-76 in overtime at Crisler Center. The Wolverines locked in down the stretch, knocking down three field goals in the extra period while holding the Wildcats to an 0-for-5 mark from the floor.
A Season for the Record Books
Michigan’s most recent win - a statement victory over rival Ohio State on Super Bowl Sunday - pushed them to 22-1 and solidified this squad as one of the most dominant in school history. They've now topped the hot starts of the 2013 Final Four team (20-1) and the 2019 Sweet 16 squad (20-1).
What’s made this team so dangerous? Start with consistency.
Michigan has now posted double-digit Big Ten wins in 13 of the last 15 seasons. But this year’s group is taking it to another level, stacking blowout after blowout.
Of their 22 wins, 18 have come by double digits. Twelve were by 20 or more.
Nine by 30 or more. Seven by 40-plus - a Big Ten record.
And yes, they even dropped a 50-point win on La Salle earlier this season, 102-50.
They’ve also hit the century mark eight times, tying for the second-most 100-point games in program history.
Inside the Numbers: Michigan’s Core
Michigan’s balance has been key, and their “Big Three” of Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson Jr., and Aday Mara has led the charge. Together, they’re responsible for about 40% of the team’s scoring and more than half of the rebounding.
Lendeborg is putting up 14.3 points and 7.5 boards per game, while Johnson Jr. adds 13.6 and 7.3. Mara, meanwhile, has been on a tear - averaging 11.3 points and 6.9 rebounds, and scoring in double figures in seven of his last eight games. He’s also coming off a career-best 24-point performance at Ohio State, where he knocked down his first two career threes.
In the paint and on the glass, this trio has been relentless. They’ve combined for 20+ rebounds in six straight games, including a season-high 32 against the Buckeyes - more than Ohio State’s entire team (31).
Cadeau’s Steady Hand, Burnett’s Hot Hand
Freshman point guard Elliot Cadeau has been the engine behind Michigan’s offense. Over his last two games, he’s tallied 14 assists without a single turnover - eight against Penn State, six at Ohio State. He leads the team with 5.4 assists per game and has hit the six-assist mark in five straight contests.
Then there’s Nimari Burnett, who caught fire last week. He hit nine threes - nearly a quarter of his season total - including a career-best seven against Penn State, where he poured in a career-high 31 points.
Sixth Man Spark
Don’t overlook Trey McKenney, either. The freshman has embraced his role as the Wolverines’ sixth man, scoring in double figures in six straight games. He’s averaging 10.1 points in just under 21 minutes per night, giving Michigan a reliable scoring punch off the bench.
As Michigan heads into Evanston, they’re not just chasing another win - they’re chasing history. With a roster that’s clicking on every level and a resume that keeps stacking up, the Wolverines are looking more and more like a team built for a deep March run.
Northwestern may be struggling in conference play, but in the Big Ten, no road game is ever a gimme. Still, if Michigan keeps playing the way they have, it’s going to take something special to slow them down.