UConn Routs Michigan 85-77 in Rematch of Last Year's Title Game

Braylon Mullins sank 10 of his 11 free throws to finish with 23 points, capping a decisive victory for No. 4 UConn over No. 16 Michigan on Friday night. The 85-77 win at TD Garden served as a rematch of last season's NCAA championship, a game the Wolverines won 69-63. This time, the script flipped completely. UConn, now 2-0, held Michigan to a single-digit deficit only in the final minute before closing out at the line.

Silas Demary Jr. contributed 21 points and seven rebounds for the Huskies. Colben Landrew provided a spark from the bench with 14 points and eight rebounds. The home team dictated the pace during the opening 20 minutes, forcing 11 turnovers from Michigan. That early pressure allowed UConn to build an 18-point lead by halftime.

Michigan (1-1) struggled from beyond the arc, converting just seven of its 28 three-point attempts. Trey McKenney, a key performer in last April's final, led the Wolverines with 22 points despite shooting 8 of 18 from the field. J.P. Estrella added 19 points and nine rebounds, while Roddy Gayle Jr. scored 18. Elliot Cadeau, the Most Outstanding Player of last year's Final Four, had eight points before fouling out late in the game.

The second half began with a tense moment for the home squad. With just under five minutes remaining in the first half, UConn was leading 32-28 when the bench drew a technical foul. Coach Dan Hurley walked onto the court in protest before his assistants pulled him back. The incident appeared to energize the players, who closed the first half on an 11-2 run to extend their lead.

For the visitors, the loss marked the first for Mike Boynton Jr. in his inaugural season as head coach. He was elevated from assistant to head coach after Dusty May departed following the team's national title to join the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA. The Wolverines shot 41% from the field, nearly matching UConn's 42% efficiency, but the difference in three-point shooting proved decisive.

Michigan travels to host Marquette on Wednesday. UConn returns home to face Wagner on Monday.