The University of Michigan men’s basketball team is set to face the University of Maryland in a crucial Big Ten matchup this Saturday night at the Xfinity Center. As the second-ranked team, Michigan enters the game with an impressive 9-0 record and aims to extend their success against the Terrapins, who hold a record of 6-4.
Matchup Overview
The game will tip off at 8 p.m. and can be watched on Fox. This marks the 25th encounter between these two programs. Historically, Michigan leads the series 14-10 and is 11-7 against Maryland since the Terrapins joined the Big Ten in 2014. The Wolverines are looking to build on their recent momentum, having secured a dramatic victory in the 2025 Big Ten Tournament semifinals.
Recent Performance
- Michigan has a strong 9-0 start, the best since the 2020-21 season.
- The team has achieved six consecutive victories by over 25 points, including three by more than 40 points.
- These results are notable, as no team has achieved a six-game streak of such victories against ranked opponents since at least the 1995-96 season.
Key Stats and Players
In terms of rebounding, Michigan has surpassed 40 rebounds in each game, with a season-high of 53 rebounds against Villanova. The Wolverines rank third nationally in rebounds per game (46.5) and lead in defensive rebounds (34.6).
The team utilizes a strong frontcourt trio: Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson Jr., and Aday Mara. They collectively contribute over 40 percent of the team’s scoring:
- Lendeborg: 15.0 points per game
- Johnson: 13.4 points per game
- Mara: 9.6 points per game
Individual Highlights
Morez Johnson has been exceptional recently, hitting 79.3 percent of his shots over his last four games, including his first two career three-pointers. He leads the Big Ten in shooting percentage at 68.1.
Aday Mara is making a significant defensive impact, leading the team with 25 blocks (2.78 blocks per game) and averaging 8.9 rebounds per game, ranking among the top nationally.
Elliot Cadeau, who averages 5.7 assists, has shown improvement with a 30:7 assist-to-turnover ratio in his last five games. Meanwhile, Roddy Gayle Jr. and Trey McKenney continue to contribute consistently, with McKenney leading the team in three-pointers.
Conclusion
As Michigan heads to Maryland, they are not just aiming for a win but also for history—as they seek to assert their dominance in the Big Ten and extend their perfect season record. With a blend of strong individual performances and solid team dynamics, the Wolverines are poised for a competitive clash against the Terrapins.
