In the world of college basketball, it's one thing to shine in a single game, but it's another to consistently deliver when it matters most. Michigan's Trey McKenney and L.J. Cason have been doing just that, stepping up in key moments to propel their team to victory.
Against Nebraska, McKenney showcased his clutch gene with a decisive layup that handed the Wolverines their first lead of the game. Fast forward a few weeks, and Cason was the hero, dropping a career-high 18 points to rally Michigan from a 16-point deficit against Northwestern.
The real question was whether they could maintain this level of performance consistently. On Tuesday, they answered that call in a big way against Purdue, helping Michigan secure a 91-80 win.
Despite limited first-half minutes, the duo came alive in the second half. They drained crucial threes and battled through tough defenses to score at the rim.
When Purdue trimmed Michigan's lead to 11 with eight minutes left, head coach Dusty May made a strategic timeout call. He benched Elliot Cadeau, turning to McKenney and Cason for a much-needed spark-and they delivered.
Cason sank two difficult shots, while McKenney hit his third three-pointer of the night. As Purdue tried to rally, McKenney's timely triple extended Michigan's lead to 14, effectively staving off any comeback attempts and allowing the starters to seal the deal against a top-10 opponent.
Coach May praised the team's environment and the daily commitment from players and staff alike. “When L.J. Cason is going head-to-head against Elliott Cadeau every day with intent and purpose, he’s bound to improve,” May noted after the game.
Cason finished with 13 points and two assists in 18 minutes, shooting perfectly from the field and the line. This marked his third consecutive game in double figures and his 10th of the season, a significant improvement from last year’s four.
McKenney, on the other hand, contributed 13 points in 21 minutes, going 3-for-4 from beyond the arc. He’s scored in double figures in eight of the last nine games, making him a crucial asset off the bench. While stars like Yaxel Lendeborg, Aday Mara, and Morez Johnson Jr. often grab the headlines, Michigan's success owes much to its bench depth.
“Trey McKenney didn’t look like a freshman tonight with those big shots,” May said. “Our bench was the difference, outscoring Purdue’s 35-15. Cason and McKenney are only getting better, and if we keep receiving contributions from everyone, the sky’s the limit.”
May enjoys coaching this group, highlighting their collective buy-in and shared success. “We knew we had a chance going into the season, but it takes stamina and endurance to be where we are. We’re not near our finish line yet.”
With performances like these, Michigan's future looks bright, and their journey is far from over.