No. 24 Michigan basketball breezes by Washington 91-75

ANN ARBOR — No. 24 Michigan men’s basketball (13-3, 5-0 Big Ten) took care of Washington (10-7, 1-5 Big Ten) with a 91-75 win Sunday afternoon. The Wolverines sit alongside No. 16 Michigan State (13-2, 4-0) at the top of the Big Ten conference. It marked the fifth straight win for the maize and blue as they remain undefeated on their home floor.

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Michigan men’s basketball handles Washington

Washington was ahead for just 18 seconds on Sunday, and its largest lead of the game was one point. Danny Wolf (2), Vlad Goldin (2) and Will Tschetter (3) were in foul trouble in the first half, but Michigan found answers elsewhere. Wolverines guard Nimari Burnett didn’t miss a shot in the first half and had a team-high 13 points, including three 3’s. Every Michigan starter had at least six points before halftime.

“There can’t be another basketball player in the country that’s playing as efficient basketball as Nimari Burnett,” Michigan head coach Dusty May said. “He’s given himself to the team. He’s done everything we’ve asked him to do, he’s as consistent with his work as anyone in our program, (and) he’s almost robotic in his approach.”

Burnett said he hasn’t reached his peak yet.

“I definitely feel like I’m playing really well,” Burnett said. “There’s always a better level for everybody, and I feel like I’m not a finished product, but I definitely feel like I’m playing really well. My work ethic and the things that I do on an everyday basis is paying off.”

Washington forward Great Osobor led all scorers with 16 points in the first half on 7-of-11 shooting. No other Huskie had more than eight as Michigan led 48-38 at halftime. Osobor finished with a game-high 23 points, as well as 11 rebounds.

The Wolverines ran away with it in the second half. Goldin posted 11 points after halftime and finished with a team-high 19. Michigan had 24 bench points, and 12 came from forward Sam Walters. Walters shot 3-of-6 from deep and had nine of his points come in the second half.

“He’s a unique talent. He’s 6-foot-10 and he’s lefty,” May said of Walters. “He can really, really shoot. He hasn’t shot nearly as well as he’s capable of. It was nice to see him bang in a couple, but there’s going to be bigger nights for Sam. His rebounding has improved greatly, his 1-on-1 defense has continues to improve every day. Still got to get him better (with) the team defense concepts, but he’s grown. He’s not happy with the way he’s performed this year, (but) he’s got a big upside and we expect Sam to continue to improve.”

Michigan is set to visit Minnesota (8-8, 0-5 Big Ten) next on Jan. 16 on FS1.

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