ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The University of Michigan’s men’s basketball team, currently ranked second nationally with an impressive record of 13-0 (3-0 Big Ten), is set to face Penn State on Tuesday, January 6. The game will take place at the Bryce Jordan Center in State College, Pennsylvania, with tipoff scheduled for 7 p.m. on FS1, featuring play-by-play commentary from Connor Onion and Donny Marshall.
As Michigan embarks on a challenging stretch where three of its next four games are on the road, they look to extend their strong performance against Penn State. Historically, Michigan holds a commanding 40-17 advantage over the Nittany Lions, although they have experienced ups and downs in recent matchups, going 4-5 over the last nine. The Wolverines managed to break a three-game losing streak against Penn State last season, winning 76-72 at Crisler Center.
Michigan’s previous encounter with Penn State at a neutral-site matchup in Philadelphia nearly two years ago resulted in a 79-73 loss. Their last visit to the Bryce Jordan Center saw the Wolverines suffer an 83-61 defeat on January 29, 2023.
The Wolverines are currently one of only six undefeated teams in the nation, alongside top-ranked Arizona, Iowa State, Miami (Ohio), Nebraska, and Vanderbilt. Their start to the season has been remarkable, with ten of their victories coming by a margin of 20 points or more, showcasing their dominance with eight wins by 30 or more points, six by 40, and one by over 50. Notably, Michigan has achieved three consecutive wins by 30 or more points against ranked opponents—a feat unprecedented in Associated Press poll history.
Additionally, the team’s six games won by over 40 points this season represent a record in Big Ten history. They have demonstrated high-scoring capabilities with six 100-point games across their last eight outings, averaging an impressive 100.5 points per game during that span. Overall, Michigan ranks fourth nationally, averaging 96.7 points per game this season.
The team’s offensive strength is bolstered by the contributions of their “Big Three”: Yaxel Lendeborg (15.1 points per game), Morez Johnson Jr. (14.8 points), and Aday Mara (10.5 points), who collectively make up 40% of the team’s scoring. Johnson has particularly stood out, recording back-to-back 20-point performances, including a career-high 29 points against No. 24 USC. Meanwhile, Mara, known for his defensive prowess, averages 2.46 blocks per game and maintains a streak of blocking at least once in every contest.
Elliot Cadeau complements the team’s dynamic offense, being the only Wolverine to hit a three-pointer in every game this season. With 23 successful triples to his name, he has already surpassed more than half of his total from his previous two years at North Carolina (39). Additionally, he leads the team with 5.7 assists per game, further solidifying Michigan’s potent offensive strategy as they navigate their rigorous Big Ten schedule.