Michigan opened its European schedule with a 96-84 defeat to Lithuania on August 23, 2024, a result that underscored the challenges of translating college form to an international stage.
Moustapha Thiam left the contest after just five minutes, exiting with a lower right leg injury that limited him to 5:54 of play and forced him to contribute six points, two rebounds and two assists before his departure.
Ricky Liburd was listed as inactive despite no prior injury reports, further thinning the roster for the Wolverines.
The backcourt was hit by foul trouble early, as both Elliot Cadeau and McKenney accumulated four personal fouls each, leading to benchings that disrupted the team's rhythm and shifted momentum.
Michigan turned the ball over 27 times, with 12 of those miscues coming from freshmen and a combined ten turnovers from Cadeau and McKenney, which helped Lithuania fuel a 15‑0 run that swung the game.
Despite the setbacks, freshmen showed flashes of promise; Quinn Costello, a McDonald's All‑American prospect, poured in 17 points, including five of ten from three‑point range, while Marcus Moller, a Danish forward recovering from testicular cancer, added a midrange jumper, a three‑pointer and a steal.
Coach Mike Boynton Jr. also noted the absence of LSU transfer Jalen Reed, sidelined by an Achilles issue, and freshman Lincoln Cosby, out with an ACL injury, further limiting the roster's options.
Lithuania closed the game with a 48‑22 burst over the final period, scoring seven straight points before a 15‑0 spurt sealed a 75‑71 deficit that left the Wolverines scrambling.
Looking Forward
The loss raises questions about the eligibility of transfer Kenny Noland, whose NCAA eligibility remains pending as courts consider the new five‑year eligibility rule, and about how the team will integrate injured players upon their return.
With a roster depleted by injury and eligibility concerns, Michigan will need to adjust its rotation and develop depth as it prepares for the upcoming collegiate season, hoping to turn early lessons into competitive advantage.