In a thrilling exhibition match at Madison Square Garden, No. 7/7 Michigan edged past No. 5/6 St. John’s, winning 96-94 in overtime in front of a spirited crowd of 13,287. The game showcased a tightly contested battle where neither team managed to extend its lead beyond five points throughout regulation.
Michigan surged to an 8-0 run at the start of overtime, but St. John’s responded strongly, tying the game at 92 with a personal 8-0 spurt including two pivotal 3-pointers. With just eight seconds remaining and Michigan leading by two, St. John’s Liotopoulos drew a shooting foul from beyond the arc but made only one of three free throw attempts. Following a missed full-court shot from St. John’s, Roddy Gayle Jr. sealed the game for the Wolverines by converting one of two free throws.
Leading the charge for St. John’s was the BIG EAST Preseason Player of the Year, who netted 24 points, six rebounds, six assists, and three steals, demonstrating his proficiency from the line by hitting 12 out of 13 attempts. Despite facing foul trouble, Ejiofor contributed significantly with 14 points, and together with his teammates, he led a balanced offensive effort that saw five Johnnies scoring in double digits.
The Red Storm displayed impressive defensive capabilities, forcing Michigan into 22 turnovers, which translated into 22 points. Their adeptness at getting to the free throw line was notable, as they converted 32 of 41 attempts.
For Michigan, standout performances included Preseason All-Big Ten selection Yaxel Lendeborg, who scored 25 points while also grabbing 10 rebounds and dishing out four assists. The Wolverines started strong, taking an early 13-6 lead, but found themselves trailing 35-34 at halftime after a late surge from St. John’s.
As the second half unfolded, Michigan and St. John’s exchanged leads but ultimately finished regulation tied at 84, setting the stage for a dramatic overtime showdown. St. John’s will kick off its official season on November 3, hosting Quinnipiac at Carnesecca Arena as part of a doubleheader that also features the women’s team playing LeMoyne. Fans can catch the action live on FS1 starting at 6:30 p.m.
This exhilarating exhibition not only showcased the potential of both teams as they approach the season but also left fans hopeful for an exciting basketball year ahead.