Michigan Set to Host Rutgers in Crucial Big Ten Clash

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The University of Michigan men’s basketball team, ranked 15th nationally, is set to host Rutgers at Crisler Center on Thursday, Feb. 27, at 9 p.m. This matchup marks the second meeting of the season between the two teams, with Michigan narrowly edging out a 66-63 victory in the first contest on Feb. 1 at Jersey Mike's Arena.

Michigan enters the game with a record of 21-6 (13-3 Big Ten) and is looking to capitalize on a three-game homestand. This will be their first string of home games since late December, when they last played consecutive games at Crisler Center. The Wolverines aim to regain momentum after a tough 75-62 loss at Michigan State on Feb. 21, followed by a hard-fought 49-46 triumph at Nebraska on Feb. 24.

In their first encounter, Michigan was propelled by Danny Wolf, whose double-double of 16 points and 14 rebounds was critical to the team’s success. Tre Donaldson contributed 14 points and six rebounds, while another player added 10 points and six assists. During that game, Rutgers’ freshman Dylan Harper was sidelined due to an ankle injury, and the Wolverines effectively contained fellow freshman Ace Bailey, limiting him to just 10 points and a 0-for-7 shooting performance from beyond the arc.

Coach Billy Donlon is making history as a first-year head coach with 13 Big Ten victories, surpassing the record once held by Steve Fisher’s 12 wins during the 1989-90 season.

Wolf’s impressive stats continue to shine through as he averages nearly a double-double with 12.7 points and 9.9 rebounds per game. His 12 double-doubles this season rank him second in the conference, only trailing Maryland’s Julian Reese, who leads with 13. Wolf is on track to become the first Wolverines player since Robert Traylor and Chris Webber to average a double-double.

Additionally, Wolf recently reached a career milestone by surpassing 100 assists, becoming the fourth Wolverine this season to do so. He follows Donaldson’s team-leading 106 assists and has shown potential in playmaking with a career-best nine assists against Arkansas on Dec. 10.

Another standout, Goldin, has been shooting impressively, holding a 63.5 shooting percentage, placing him second in the Big Ten and eighth nationally. While the team has fluctuated in three-point shooting, having made consistently over ten in six straight games, they have struggled with a mere one successful three-pointer in the last nine games. Despite these ups and downs, Michigan remains focused on maintaining their competitive edge in the race for a strong finish in the Big Ten.

The game will be streamed live on Peacock, promising fans an engaging evening of basketball as the Wolverines look to extend their winning ways in front of their home crowd.