Michigan opens new era with easy win over Cleveland State

Field Level Media|published: Mon 4th November, 22:37 2024

Michigan center Danny Wolf (1) dribbles against Cleveland State forward Isaac Abidde (7) during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024.

Danny Wolf had 19 points, 13 rebounds, three blocks and three steals as Michigan rolled to a 101-53 season-opening victory over Cleveland State in head coach Dusty May's Wolverines debut in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Monday night.

The Wolverines had six players in double figures as Tre Donaldon contributed 16 points and seven assists. Will Tschetter had 15 points, L.J. Cason tossed in 14, Ohio State transfer Roddy Gayle Jr. had 13 points with four assists and Sam Walters added 10 points.

May arrived from Florida Atlantic after the Wolverines finished 8-24 last season under former coach Juwan Howard. Michigan played at a quicker pace with 28 fast-break points. The Wolverines had a 29-8 advantage in points off turnovers and shot 68.4 percent from the field.

Dylan Arnett led the Vikings with seven points and 10 rebounds. Ebrima Dibba, Isaac Abidde and Je'Shawn Stevenson also scored seven points apiece for Cleveland State, which had a 21-15 record last season.

Wolf, a Yake transfer, had 14 points and eight rebounds in the first half as the Wolverines raced to a 54-26 lead. Gayle and Donaldson combined for 21 first-half points as Michigan shot 71.4 percent from the field. The Wolverines had an 18-0 advantage in fast break points before the break.

Cleveland State shot 28.6 percent for the half. The Vikings did grab 11 offensive rebounds, leading to 15 of those points.

A Wolf dunk with 13:38 left in the half gave Michigan its first double-digit lead at 17-7.

With the advantage at 32-21, the Wolverines went on a 15-1 run to gain a 25-point lead. Walters got it started with a 3-pointer. A Cason layup stretched the lead to 20 and Wolf scored the last six points of the run.

Gayle finished off the half with a layup.

--Field Level Media