It felt like Michigan basketball won a close game against Purdue on Tuesday night. The reality is that the Wolverines controlled things for most of the game at Mackey Arena on their way to their 25th win of the season, and arguably the most important.
Michigan is now 15-1 in Big Ten play. Purdue could have tightened the Big Ten race considerably if they had been able to knock off the Wolverines, but the defense, the offensive rebounding, and the 3-point shooting were too much for Purdue.
Michigan only shot 50 percent on 2s. That would have worried me before the game. Yet, the Wolverines shot 53 percent from 3-point range (13 makes).
You just aren't going to beat Michigan when it shoots like that. Purdue battled and didn't quit, but the Boilermakers were never closer than eight in the second half. Michigan led by double digits most of the way.
Six different Wolverines reached double figures. Elliot Cadeau had 17 points, four rebounds, and seven assists. He controlled things in the second half, and here are the gut reactions to the 91-80 win.
Gut reactions to win over Purdue
Eliot Cadeau is a Final Four point guard: Cadeau took over in the second half. He attacked the basket, knocked down three 3-pointers, had seven assists, and just didn't shy away. When Michigan needed a play, while Purdue was trying to make a run, he delivered. Cadeau wasn't the only one, but he outplayed Braden Smith, at least for a good chunk of the game. It was just another reminder that this is the kind of point guard who can take a team to the Final Four.
Yaxel walked the walk: People took an old video of Yaxel talking about Purdue to cause a stir this week. Turns out, Lendeborg walked the walk, with 13 points, two rebounds, two 3-pointers, and seven assists. Yaxel also had two blocks and a steal. The Wolverines did exactly what he said they were going to do.
The bench was a difference-maker: Trey McKenney and L.J. Cason each scored in double figures, as we mentioned they could in our predictions. It was easy to foresee that the bench would be a huge advantage for the Wolverines, and it was, to the tune of 34-15. McKenney and Cason each had 13. The five-star freshman made three treys. Cason made every shot he attempted from the field and the free-throw line to score 13 points in 18 minutes. The back court is also as dominant as the front court.
Michigan is unbeatable when it makes 3s: If Michigan shoots above 40 percent from 3-point range, it won't lose. The Wolverines shot 57 percent on Tuesday.
The Big Ten title is nearly secure: Michigan just needs two wins and one loss from Illinois and Nebraska to clinch the conference title outright. Purdue, Illinois, and Nebraska could have gotten within one game on Tuesday night.
Instead, the Wolverines kept firm control of the Big Ten title race.