No. 21 Michigan men’s basketball unable to compete with No. 11 Purdue in 91-64 loss

No. 21 Michigan men’s basketball (14-5, 6-2 Big Ten) seemed to never have a chance Friday night, getting blown out by No. 11 Purdue 91-64. The Wolverines committed eight turnovers in the first eight minutes, and they found themselves down 29-9 not long after. The Boilermakers never let Michigan back in the game.

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Michigan basketball blown out by Purdue

The Wolverines were down 25 at halftime (51-26) which marked their largest halftime deficit and lowest scoring half of the season. Michigan is one of the most efficient shooting teams in the country, but it converted on just 37 percent (20-for-54) of its field goals and 20 percent (6-for-29) of its threes Friday night. 

Purdue guard Braden Smith torched the maize and blue all night. Smith finished with a game-high 24 points and ten rebounds along with seven rebounds and four steals. Fellow guard Fletcher Loyer added five threes and 18 points, and forward Trey Kaufman-Renn contributed 15 points. 

Michigan center Vlad Goldin led his team with 14 points, and it was another slow night for Danny Wolf as he posted as many turnovers as points (4). Guards Tre Donaldson, Roddy Gayle Jr. and Nimari Burnett had 11 points each. The Wolverines never held a lead and averaged less than one point per possession. 

Michigan is still in the hunt for the Big Ten regular season title (1.5 games back) and has only in-conference games remaining. The Wolverines play Penn State (13-6, 3-5 Big Ten) next at home on Jan. 27.

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