The Michigan Wolverines, ranked number 1 in the nation with a 24-1 record, delivered a resounding 86-56 victory over the UCLA Bruins, who fell to 17-8. Yaxel Lendeborg led the charge with 17 points and 8 rebounds, while Trent Perry was the top scorer for UCLA with 14 points. Michigan's 30-point margin of victory exceeded the predicted 18.9-point margin by the CHD Scout, demonstrating the team's dominance. The Wolverines' impressive performance was highlighted by their 46 points in the second half, outscoring UCLA by 28 points in the final 20 minutes.
Yaxel Lendeborg's 17 Points Mark His 10th Double-Digit Scoring Performance of the Season
The Michigan Wolverines took control of the game from the outset, scoring 40 points in the first half to UCLA's 38. However, it was the second half where Michigan truly asserted their dominance, scoring 46 points to UCLA's 18. This 28-point differential in the second half was the deciding factor, as Michigan's offense clicked on all cylinders. The Wolverines' 86 total points were a result of their balanced attack, with three players scoring in double figures: Yaxel Lendeborg with 17, Morez Johnson Jr. with 15, and L.J. Cason with 13. UCLA, on the other hand, struggled to find consistency, with only three players reaching double digits: Trent Perry with 14, Tyler Bilodeau with 10, and Donovan Dent with 10. The Bruins' 56 points were their lowest total in 10 games, highlighting Michigan's stifling defense.
Yaxel Lendeborg was the standout performer for the Michigan Wolverines, posting 17 points and 8 rebounds on 7-12 shooting. Morez Johnson Jr. and L.J. Cason also made significant contributions, scoring 15 and 13 points, respectively. For the UCLA Bruins, Trent Perry led the way with 14 points, while Tyler Bilodeau added 10 points and 6 rebounds. Donovan Dent also chipped in with 10 points, but it was not enough to overcome the dominant performance by Michigan. The Wolverines' top performers combined for 45 points, accounting for over 52% of their total scoring output. In contrast, UCLA's top scorers accounted for just 34 points, or 61% of their total.
CHD Scout Report Card
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The Michigan Wolverines outshot the UCLA Bruins 51.7% to 38.5% from the field, highlighting their superior shooting efficiency. Michigan also dominated the rebounding battle, outrebounding UCLA 38-29. The Wolverines' 16 assists on 30 field goals demonstrate their ability to move the ball effectively and create scoring opportunities. UCLA, on the other hand, struggled with turnovers, committing 15 to Michigan's 10. The Bruins' 18 points in the second half were their lowest total in any half this season, underscoring Michigan's defensive prowess. The Wolverines' 46 points in the second half, meanwhile, were their highest total in any half since their 95-54 win over Rutgers on January 25.
The CHD Scout predicted a Michigan victory by 18.9 points, with a predicted score of 87-68. While the actual score was 86-56, the prediction was correct in terms of the winner and the general margin of victory. The CHD Scout's model accurately accounted for Michigan's strong offense and UCLA's struggles on the road. However, the model underestimated the Wolverines' defensive capabilities, as they held UCLA to 18 points in the second half. The 30-point margin of victory exceeded the predicted margin, demonstrating the dominance of the Michigan Wolverines. The CHD Scout's correct prediction improves its overall record to 85-23 on the season, with a mean absolute error of 6.5 points per game.
This victory improves Michigan's record to 24-1, with a 1 NET ranking. The win also counts as a Quadrant 2 victory for the Wolverines, as UCLA is ranked 39 in the NET. For the Bruins, the loss drops their record to 17-8, with a 39 NET ranking. This game was classified as a Quadrant 1 loss for UCLA, as Michigan is ranked number 1 in the nation. The outcome of this game has real consequences for both teams' tournament resumes, as Michigan continues to build its case for a number 1 seed and UCLA looks to bounce back from a tough road loss. The Wolverines' 24-1 record is the best in the nation, and their 1 NET ranking solidifies their position as a top contender for the national championship.
The Michigan Wolverines will face the Ohio State Buckeyes on February 18, while the UCLA Bruins will take on the USC Trojans on February 17. Both games promise to be intense matchups, with significant conference implications. The Wolverines want to continue their winning streak, while the Bruins will aim to bounce back from their disappointing loss. Michigan's next game will be a crucial test of their road prowess, as they face a tough Ohio State team that is 15-5 on the season. UCLA, meanwhile, want to regain its footing in the Pac-12, as it faces a USC team that is 12-10 overall.