Danny Wolf explodes in second half as Michigan MBB holds off USC

Michigan men’s basketball (11-3, 3-0 Big Ten) won its third straight game Saturday night against USC (9-5, 1-2) 85-74. The Wolverines are now 10-1 in games in which they hold their opponent under 80 points. 

New: Michigan football lands Clemson DT transfer Tré Williams

Michigan men’s basketball holds off USC 

The Wolverines came out scorching and shot 62 percent (10-of-16) from behind the arc in the first half. Point guard Tre Donaldson finished with 16 points, 12 of which came on three pointers before halftime. The Trojans outrebounded Michigan 16-12 in the first 20 minutes, but they trailed 42-38 at the break.

The success from deep range didn’t last long for Michigan as it went 0-for-8 in the second half. USC was down by 15 just a few minutes after halftime, but it came back to take a lead with under eight minutes to play. Michigan rattled off eight straight points, six of which came from guard Roddy Gayle Jr., and held on for the rest of the game. 

Michigan forward Danny Wolf posted a double-double in the second half alone. After halftime he contributed 13 points, ten rebounds, five blocks, four assists and two steals. In total, Wolf had game-highs of 21 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists and six blocks. Every Michigan starter scored in double figures.

The Wolverines complete their west coast road trip against No. 15 UCLA on Jan. 7. 

More: Why Michigan’s offensive line has bright future

Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics and Big Ten content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. Also, be sure to check out our shop and our podcast, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms