Michigan went on a 14-0 run in the middle of the second half after
Penn State tied the game, and it was a difference in a game of runs as they held on for a 79-69 victory on Wednesday night at the Chrysler Arena in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Penn State and Michigan played a back-and-forth game early, with Penn State taking an early 8-7 lead in the first half.
After Michigan called a timeout, they went on a 9-0 run before a layup by Jalen Pickett. Michigan maintained its lead between four and nine points throughout the first half because they were aggressive, drawing fouls and getting Penn State in the penalty. Penn State stayed within striking distance with three-point shooting by Myles Dread, who scored his 1,000th point during the first half. Michigan’s efficient shooting started to give them its largest lead in the first half at 42-31 until Evan Mahaffey hit a half-court shot to end the half.
Michigan led 42-34 at halftime mostly because it shot 48.4 percent from the field compared to 41.4 percent to Penn State, and the Wolverines did commit a turnover. Penn State shot 6 for 16 from three in the first half, while Michigan went 4 for 9. Pickett led Penn State with 13 points in the first half as he crossed the 1,800-point milestone.
Hunter Dickenson led Michigan with 10 points in the first half.
As the second started, Michigan started to cool down as Penn State scored on his first four trips down the court. Penn State managed to slowly get the deficit down to two at the under-16 media timeout as the game pace slowed as both teams’ defenses took over, and Penn State was chipping away at Michigan’s lead. After Penn State tied the game at 47, Michigan went on a 14-0 run, starting with a 3-point shot by Jett Howard. Michigan played with more hustle and aggressiveness during the middle portion of the second half. Pickett’s jumper ended an almost five-minute scoring drought.
Penn State went on a run to get back in the game, as it went on an 11-0 run of its own to cut the lead down to six points at 68-65. Penn State had its opportunities to tie the game, such as a clean look to tie the game, but Andrew Funk’s shot rimmed out and Michigan salted the game. Pickett led Penn State with points, nine rebounds and four assists. Pickett was followed by Lundy with 16 points on 4-for-9 from three-point shots.Hunter Dickenson led Michigan with 17 points, followed by Howard with 14. Dug McDaniel and Kobe Bufkin chipped in with 12 points each.
Camryn Wynter also reached the 1,800-career point mark in the game.
Penn State will play Purdue at the Palestra in Philadelphia Sunday evening, while Michigan will travel to Michigan State Saturday afternoon.
Twitter: @bwalkerdadon
