Michigan’s men’s basketball squad traveled to Utena, Lithuania, for a preseason clash that quickly turned into a lesson in resilience.
A Rocky Start
The Wolverines jumped out to a 26‑14 lead, only to watch the host nation close the first quarter on a seven‑point run that erased much of the early advantage.
A flurry of offensive rebounds kept Michigan in the game, but the Lithuanian side’s defense forced the visitors into a series of turnovers that kept the pressure on.
Key Performances
Elliot Cadeau led the scoring effort with 19 points, complemented by eight assists and three steals, while J.P. Estrella added 17 points and seven rebounds.
Brandon McCoy Jr. contributed 15 points, five rebounds and four steals, and Oscar Goodman sparked a late surge with six consecutive points that pulled the Wolverines within two.
Despite the rally, a missed three‑pointer in the final minute left Michigan trailing 82‑77 as the buzzer sounded.
Learning on the Road
Coach Mike Boynton Jr. praised the effort, calling the contest a growth opportunity for a young roster still adjusting to international competition.
The team will next test itself against Mega SUPERBET in Croatia on August 27, continuing a European tour that has already exposed several players to high‑level minutes.
Boynton noted that the experience of playing without Trey McKenney, Moustapha Thiam and Ricky Liburd, as well as nursing injured guards Jalen Reed and Lincoln Cosby, will inform the squad’s development moving forward.
Statistically, Michigan posted 18 offensive rebounds and 17 second‑chance points, while dishing out 18 assists and recording 11 steals, underscoring both the positives and the areas that still need refinement.