Imagine a high-octane basketball showdown where a preseason favorite stumbles out of the gate, only to mount a thrilling but ultimately heartbreaking comeback. That’s exactly what unfolded in Ann Arbor as the Michigan Wolverines, ranked No. 7 in the preseason AP Top 25, fell just short in a 100-98 exhibition loss to Cincinnati. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was this a wake-up call or a sign of deeper issues?
The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, starting with a disastrous first half that left fans scratching their heads. Turnovers piled up, fouls were rampant, and the Wolverines found themselves staring at a 20-point deficit. Their 3-point shooting and defense were anything but impressive, leaving much to be desired. Yet, the second half told a different story—one of resilience and fight.
Led by Yaxel Lendeborg’s explosive 26-point performance in the second half, Michigan clawed their way back into the game. Lendeborg, who finished with 31 points and 12 rebounds, admitted to finding his rhythm in the system during the first half. ‘I thought attack, be more aggressive,’ he said, crediting his physical talents for sparking the comeback. But every time the Wolverines threatened to close the gap, Cincinnati responded, keeping them at arm’s length until the final buzzer.
And this is the part most people miss: Despite the loss, the game served as a crucial learning opportunity for Michigan’s revamped roster, which includes eight newcomers. Coach Dusty May acknowledged the value of the matchup, stating, ‘We know a lot more about our team than we did two-and-a-half hours ago.’ The Wolverines’ struggles with turnovers (20 in total) and fouls (leading to 41 free throws for Cincinnati) were glaring, but their ability to fight back showcased their potential.
The Bearcats, meanwhile, capitalized on Michigan’s mistakes, scoring 25 points off turnovers and shooting a solid 55% from the field. Shon Abaev, Kerr Kriisa, and Moustapha Thiam each scored 15 points, leading Cincinnati’s balanced attack. The game was a foul-fest, with a combined 60 fouls and 83 free-throw attempts, raising questions about officiating and the teams’ discipline.
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Did the referees’ calls unfairly disrupt Michigan’s momentum, or did the Wolverines simply need to play smarter basketball? Roddy Gayle Jr., who scored 18 points but had eight turnovers, hinted at frustration with the calls but emphasized the learning aspect. ‘When we go back to the film, we’ll have a better understanding of what we could have done better,’ he said.
Looking ahead, Michigan faces a tough test against No. 5 St. John’s in their final exhibition game at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 25. This showdown between top-10 teams will be a true measure of their progress. The regular season tips off on Nov. 3 against Oakland, marking Year 2 of the Dusty May era. Will the Wolverines iron out their kinks, or will this exhibition loss be a harbinger of challenges to come? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think Michigan’s comeback was a silver lining or a band-aid on a bigger problem?
