Wolverines and Ducks Face Off Saturday in Eugene

The Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball team is set to take on the Oregon Ducks this Saturday, January 17, 2025, in Eugene, Oregon. The contest will occur at the Matthew Knight Arena, beginning at 1 p.m. PT. Fans can catch the live broadcast on NBC Sports.

Matchup Overview

Currently ranked fourth, the Wolverines have an impressive record of 15 wins and 1 loss, including 5 wins and 1 loss in the Big Ten. In contrast, the Ducks hold a record of 8 wins and 9 losses with a 1-5 mark in the conference.

Recent Performance

Michigan recently opened its Pacific Northwest trip with a victory over Washington. On January 14, they claimed an 82-72 win in Seattle, marking their first game there in 32 years. The Wolverines led consistently throughout the match, showcasing their offensive prowess.

Historical Context

The all-time series between Michigan and Oregon favors the Wolverines, who have a 5-3 lead. Their record in Eugene is even at 1-1. Last season, Michigan secured a close victory against Oregon in Ann Arbor, winning 80-76 thanks to strong contributions from multiple players.

• Last meeting in Eugene: Michigan lost 86-83 in overtime on December 2, 2023.
• Dug McDaniel scored 33 points but fell short as Oregon sealed the victory with a last-second shot.

Wolverines’ Key Players

Michigan’s offensive lineup is notable for its balance, with five players averaging double figures in scoring. The team’s “Big Three” consists of:

• Yaxel Lendeborg: 14.6 points per game, 6.9 rebounds.
• Morez Johnson Jr.: 14.3 points per game, shooting 67.2% from the field, leading the Big Ten.
• Aday Mara: 10.8 points per game and 2.56 blocks per game, the highest in the Big Ten.

Notably, Johnson reached the 300-rebound milestone during the match against Washington, elevating his overall impact this season.

Current Statistics

This season, Michigan leads the nation in several categories:

• 93.8 points per game (3rd nationally)
• +25.1 scoring margin (2nd nationally)
• 43.2 rebounds per game (6th nationally)
• 20.0 assists per game (7th nationally)

Player Milestones

In addition to Lendeborg and Johnson’s performances, Nimari Burnett recently reached a personal milestone, surpassing 1,000 career points with his performance against Washington.

With a blend of skilled players and a solid game strategy, the Wolverines aim to maintain their winning momentum against the Ducks in Eugene. This matchup promises to be an exciting event for college basketball fans.