This week in college basketball is nothing short of epic, with four top-10 matchups lighting up the schedule. Kicking things off, No.
6 Iowa State edged out No. 2 Houston in a nail-biter, 70-67.
But the real fireworks came on Tuesday when No. 7 Purdue hosted No.
1 Michigan in a Big Ten showdown that had fans buzzing.
The game started with both teams locked at 11, but then Michigan flipped the switch. The Wolverines unleashed a 15-0 run, transforming the game into a showcase of their dominance. By halftime, Michigan had surged ahead, leading 48-32.
Purdue fought hard in the second half, chipping away at the lead and narrowing the gap to nine points late in the game. But Michigan held firm, sealing a 91-80 victory. This win propels them to an impressive 25-1 overall and 15-1 in conference play.
Michigan's depth was on full display, with six players scoring in double figures. Elliot Cadeau led the charge with 17 points and seven assists.
Off the bench, LJ Cason added a valuable 13 points. The trio of starting forwards-Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson, and Aday Mara-combined for a formidable 35 points, 24 rebounds, and 12 assists.
The Wolverines shot a scorching 53% from the field, including 13 of 23 from beyond the arc.
Under coach Dusty May, Michigan's three-point shooting hit new heights, nailing 56% of their attempts. This performance marks their best under May, and if they maintain this level, the rest of the league should be on alert.
Michigan's commanding style is becoming a hallmark, with decisive wins over powerhouses like Gonzaga, Auburn, Villanova, UCLA, and USC. Their only stumble was a home loss to Wisconsin.
In terms of tournament seeding, Michigan boasts 10 Quad 1 victories and sits atop the NET rankings. With Arizona faltering recently, Michigan is now the frontrunner for the coveted No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Looking ahead, Michigan faces another test against Duke on a neutral court. Duke, also vying for a top seed, could use a win over Michigan as a marquee addition to their resume. However, if Michigan triumphs convincingly, the conversation about the elite tier in college basketball might just revolve around one team.