Michigan Heads to Oregon Riding Momentum, Depth, and Dominance
The Wolverines are rolling-and they’re not done yet.
Fresh off a commanding 82-72 win over Washington in Seattle, No. 4 Michigan (15-1, 5-1 Big Ten) heads to Eugene to wrap up its West Coast swing with a Saturday showdown against Oregon (8-9, 1-5 Big Ten) at Matthew Knight Arena.
Tipoff is set for 1 p.m. PT, with national coverage on NBC Sports.
This trip has already had its share of history. Michigan’s win over Washington marked the program’s first game in Seattle in 32 years.
The Wolverines wasted no time taking control, grabbing the lead after the first media timeout and never looking back. Now, they’ll try to replicate that same energy in Eugene, a place where they’ve split their previous two matchups.
A Look Back-and Ahead
Michigan holds a 5-3 all-time edge over Oregon, but the Ducks made the most of their home court last time the two teams met in Eugene. That was back on Dec. 2, 2023, when Michigan’s Dug McDaniel poured in a career-high 33 points, only to see Oregon’s Jackson Shelstad bury a deep three with 1.4 seconds left in overtime, sealing an 86-83 Ducks win.
The Wolverines got their revenge later that season in Ann Arbor. Five players scored in double figures, and Michigan turned 25 Oregon turnovers into 25 points en route to an 80-76 win. Will Tschetter led the charge with 17 points in just 17 minutes, while Nimari Burnett added 13 of his own.
Elite Numbers, Balanced Attack
This year’s Michigan squad is more than just a collection of individual talent-they're a statistical juggernaut. The Wolverines are third in the nation in scoring at 93.8 points per game and second in scoring margin at +25.1.
They’re also elite on the glass, ranking sixth nationally in total rebounds (43.2 rpg) and second in defensive rebounds (31.8). Add in 20 assists per game-second in the Big Ten behind only Purdue-and you’ve got one of the most complete teams in the country.
What sets this team apart is its depth. Five players are averaging double figures, and Michigan is the only team in the Big Ten with three players pulling down at least 6.5 boards per game. That kind of balance makes it tough for opponents to key in on any one player.
The Big Three: Lendeborg, Johnson, Mara
Michigan’s engine is powered by a frontcourt trio that’s doing serious damage.
Yaxel Lendeborg leads the team in scoring at 14.6 points per game and does a little bit of everything-6.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.4 blocks, 1.3 steals-while shooting a clean 53% from the floor. He’s tied for the team lead in double-figure scoring games (12) and has accounted for nearly a third of Michigan’s total offense alongside Morez Johnson Jr.
Johnson, meanwhile, has emerged as one of the most efficient scorers in the country. He’s shooting a blistering 67.2% from the field-best in the Big Ten and fourth nationally-and has already surpassed his scoring total from last season at Illinois. Johnson also grabbed a career-high 16 rebounds against Washington, marking his third double-double of the season and pushing him past the 300-rebound mark for his career.
Aday Mara continues to be a force on both ends. He dropped 20 points on 10-of-11 shooting against Washington-his second 20+ point game-and is a defensive anchor with at least one block in every game this season.
Mara leads the Big Ten with 2.56 blocks per game and ranks 12th nationally. He’s recorded multiple blocks in 13 games, including 11 of his last 12.
Together, Lendeborg, Johnson, and Mara account for 40% of Michigan’s total scoring output. They’re not just producing-they’re dominating.
Milestones and Moments
Even in a game where he didn’t score, Elliot Cadeau found a way to make an impact. Held scoreless for the first time in his 90-game career, Cadeau still led the team with six assists against Washington, showing his value as a floor general.
And then there’s Nimari Burnett, who reached a major milestone in that same game. Needing three points to hit 1,000 for his college career, Burnett cut to the rim and finished a no-look dime from Mara to get there. He now sits at 1,004 career points-211 shy of 1,000 as a Wolverine.
What’s at Stake in Eugene
Michigan has been playing like a team with something to prove-and something to protect. With a 15-1 record and a top-five ranking, the Wolverines are firmly in the national spotlight. But road games in the Big Ten are never easy, and Oregon, despite its record, has shown it can rise to the occasion-just ask Dug McDaniel.
This is a chance for Michigan to close out its West Coast trip with a statement. If they continue to get production from their stars, contributions from their depth, and the kind of defensive effort that’s defined their season, the Wolverines will be tough to beat-no matter the zip code.
Saturday in Eugene is more than just another game. It’s a chance to keep building momentum, keep stacking wins, and keep showing why this Michigan team is one of the most complete in the country.