Michigan Blows Past UCLA with Second-Half Surge, Extends Win Streak to 10
ANN ARBOR, Mich. - For about 20 minutes on Saturday afternoon, it looked like we might have a battle on our hands. But then Michigan came out of the locker room after halftime and flipped the switch - and UCLA never recovered.
The second-ranked Wolverines (24-1, 14-1 Big Ten) delivered a second-half clinic at Crisler Center, torching the Bruins 86-56 behind a 28-point advantage after the break. It marked Michigan’s fourth Big Ten win by 30 or more points this season - all of them coming in front of their home crowd.
Let’s break down how Michigan pulled away, who stood out, and why this win is more than just another tally in the win column.
A Second-Half Masterclass
Michigan entered the half with a slim 40-38 lead, but what followed was a complete dismantling of UCLA on both ends of the floor. The Wolverines opened the second half on a 19-7 run in the first 7:30, sparked by back-to-back threes from Yaxel Lendeborg, who was everywhere on the floor. That stretch pushed the lead into double digits - and Michigan never looked back.
The Wolverines made nine straight field goals during that stretch and shot a blistering 78.3% from the field in the second half. That’s not just hot shooting - that’s offensive precision paired with defensive dominance. Meanwhile, UCLA couldn’t buy a bucket, missing seven straight shots and 12 of their first 15 in the half.
By the time L.J. Cason finished a coast-to-coast layup after a Lendeborg block, the Wolverines were up by 20 and the Crisler Center crowd - decked out in white for the occasion - was in full celebration mode.
Lendeborg Leads the Charge
Yaxel Lendeborg was the engine behind Michigan’s second-half surge. He finished with 17 points, including two momentum-swinging threes early in the half, and added eight rebounds and two blocks. His presence was felt on both ends - cleaning the glass, protecting the rim, and stretching the floor.
He also made seven free throws in the first half, showing his ability to get to the line and convert. With this performance, Lendeborg now sits just three points shy of 1,500 career Division I points - a significant milestone that speaks to his consistency and scoring prowess.
Balanced Attack, Bench Boost
Morez Johnson Jr. was a perfect 6-for-6 from the field, finishing with 15 points and three steals. He continues to be a model of efficiency and has now scored in double digits in seven straight games - the longest active streak on the team.
Off the bench, L.J. Cason added 13 points with two triples, a pair of assists, and one of the highlights of the night with that coast-to-coast finish. Nimari Burnett chipped in 12 points on five made shots, including a three to open the second-half scoring.
Michigan’s depth continues to shine - five different players have led the team in scoring over the last six games. That kind of versatility makes them a nightmare to game-plan against.
Defensive Lockdown
While the offense was humming, the defense deserves just as much credit. Michigan held UCLA to just 18 points in the second half - the lowest total by any conference opponent this season and second-lowest overall. The Bruins were out of sync, overwhelmed by Michigan’s length, pressure, and ability to turn defense into transition offense.
Aday Mara, facing his former team, added three blocks - his eighth game with 3+ blocks in his last ten outings. He continues to lead the Big Ten in blocks per game, and his rim protection has become a cornerstone of Michigan’s defensive identity.
First-Half Foundation
Before the second-half explosion, Michigan set the tone early. Aday Mara found Johnson for the game’s opening bucket, and after a brief lull, the Wolverines rattled off a flurry of offense. Cason and Roddy Gayle Jr. hit back-to-back threes, and Cason followed with a layup and an assist to Johnson.
The lead stretched into double digits before a late 7-0 run by UCLA trimmed it to 40-38 at the break. Still, Michigan had committed just one turnover in the entire half - a testament to their poise and ball security.
Making History in Ann Arbor
This wasn’t just another win. It was Michigan’s largest-ever margin of victory over UCLA, surpassing the previous high set just last season. It also marked the first time in nearly seven decades that a No. 2-ranked Michigan team defeated the Bruins - a program with plenty of basketball pedigree of its own.
And with the win, the Wolverines extended their win streak to 10 games - the first time since the Fab Five-led 1992-93 squad that Michigan has posted multiple double-digit winning streaks in a single season. That team made it all the way to the national championship game.
Michigan now leads the Big Ten in margin of victory in conference play, averaging a +16.9 differential - and a staggering +21 at home.
Up Next: Purdue Awaits
The road doesn’t get easier. Michigan heads to Mackey Arena on Tuesday night to face Purdue - another top-ranked opponent in what has become a gauntlet of a schedule. But so far, the Wolverines are a perfect 5-0 against ranked teams this season.
If they keep playing like this - with balanced scoring, suffocating defense, and second-half takeovers - that perfect record might just stay intact a little longer.
Quick Hits:
- Saturday was Michigan’s first home game against UCLA since December 9, 2017 - a game the Wolverines also won, in overtime.
- Will Tschetter scored the final four points of the game, including a crafty layup with just 18 seconds left.
- Michigan committed its first turnover with just 1:33 left in the first half - a sign of the team’s sharp execution.
- Johnson and Lendeborg are now tied for most double-digit scoring games this season (19 each).
This team isn’t just winning - it’s dominating. And with March creeping closer, the Wolverines are building momentum at exactly the right time.