As the nation’s No. 2 team, Michigan has a target on its back. Next to take aim is Maryland on Saturday night in College Park, Md.
The atmosphere promises to be charged as the Terrapins (6-4, 0-1 Big Ten) try to gain their first signature win under new coach Buzz Williams.
On his weekly radio show, Williams tried to de-emphasize the matchup.
“It’s game No. 2 of 20 Big Ten heavyweight championship fights,” Williams said.
There is no doubting the credentials of the Wolverines (9-0, 1-0). Their last five wins have come by no fewer than 28 points, including two over ranked teams by 30 (then-No. 20 Auburn) and 40 points (then-No. 11 Gonzaga).
They are No. 1 on KenPom.com and in the NET rankings. They also lead the nation in field goal percentage differential, shooting 17.7% better than their opponents, and are third in rebounding differential at +13.5 per game.
The figures are more impressive considering Michigan has played a challenging schedule, with six of its games coming against power conference schools.
On Tuesday, Michigan rolled to another decisive victory, 89-61, at home over Villanova as Elliot Cadeau hit four 3-pointers in scoring 18 points.
The Wolverines overwhelmed the Wildcats inside with a 46-10 edge in points in the paint and a 53-33 rebounding margin.
The best sign for Michigan coach Dusty May was that the Wolverines appear unaffected by their status in the rankings.
“What these guys are doing is difficult,” May said. “They’re getting this newfound attention and love and whatever, and they’re still serving their teammates and trying to play the right way.”
Few teams can match the powerful, experienced frontcourt that May has assembled. The Wolverines’ top scorer is 6-foot-9 UAB transfer Yaxel Lendeborg (15.0 points, 7.1 rebounds per game), who is in his sixth college season.
Aday Mara, a 7-foot-3 transfer from UCLA, leads Michigan in rebounds (8.9) and blocks (2.8), while 6-foot-9 Illinois transfer Morez Johnson Jr. is putting up 13.4 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.
Michigan also has depth as May rotates nine players. Contributing off the bench against Villanova were Trey McKenney (10 points, six rebounds), Roddy Gayle Jr. (nine points, seven rebounds), L.J. Cason (eight points, three assists) and Will Tschetter (seven points).
Midway through the first half, bench players scored 13 of the points in a 15-0 run which increased an eight-point Wolverines’ lead to 39-16.
“Every time we change players, we just bring more energy,” Mara said.
Maryland is still trying to get a handle on its rotation as it finally is healthy after three key players missed games because of injuries.
The Terrapins struggled at both ends of the floor in their Big Ten opener, falling Saturday at Iowa, 83-64.
Maryland committed 18 turnovers and shot 36.2% from the floor, while allowing the Hawkeyes to make 54% of their shots overall and 9 of 22 (40.9%) from 3-point range.
“We’re doing some good things. It doesn’t show up necessarily in the record,” Williams said. “Along the way, I think we’re accruing information, data and evidence that’s going to help us grow.”
Pharrel Payne had 17 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Terrapins.
–Field Level Media
