Michigan Basketball Shoots Lights Out in Season Opening Blowout of Oakland 121-78

November 6, 2025

The fifth-ranked Michigan Wolverines opened their basketball season with a dominant 121-78 victory over Oakland University at Crisler Center, demonstrating they may be a force to reckon with this year. Despite missing key player Yaxel Lendeborg due to injury and having two guards out, Michigan set a program record with 69 first-half points while shooting an impressive 71 percent from the field. Seven players reached double-digit scoring, led by Morez Johnson Jr.

Who is affected

Michigan Wolverines basketball team (now 1-0)
Oakland Golden Grizzlies basketball team (now 0-1)
Head Coach Dusty May (Michigan)
Head Coach Greg Kampe (Oakland)
Players: Morez Johnson Jr., Aday Mara, Elliot Cadeau, Trey McKenney (Michigan); Isaac Garrett (Oakland)
Injured/sidelined players: Yaxel Lendeborg, L.J. Cason, Winters Grady (Michigan)
Fans and attendees at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor

What action is being taken

Michigan is preparing for their next game against Wake Forest with a week of practice time before the matchup. Oakland is getting ready to travel to West Lafayette, Indiana to face top-ranked Purdue on Friday.

Why it matters

This performance is significant because it demonstrates Michigan's potential as a legitimate national championship contender, particularly impressive given they achieved historic offensive numbers while playing without multiple key players. The 43-point margin of victory, combined with program records for first-half scoring and three-pointers made, signals that the Wolverines may exceed even last year's Big Ten Tournament Championship success and validates their number five national ranking to start the season.

What's next

Michigan (1-0) will host Wake Forest (1-0) at Little Caesars Arena next Tuesday
Oakland (0-1) will travel to West Lafayette, Indiana to face No. 1 ranked Purdue (1-0) on Friday

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle