FORT MYERS, Fla. — The University of Michigan men’s basketball team showcased their resilience with a commanding second half, overpowering Virginia Tech with a final score of 75-63 in the opening round of Beach Division play at the Fort Myers Tip-Off held on Monday (Nov. 25).
Leaders and Best:
Roddy Gayle Jr. shined brightest on the court, leading all scorers with an impressive 20 points on 6-for-13 shooting. In addition to his scoring prowess, he also contributed significantly with four rebounds and four assists. Meanwhile, Will Tschetter played a vital supporting role, finishing in double figures with a solid 10 points.
Second Half:
After a competitive start to the half where both teams exchanged baskets, Michigan (5-1) ignited a 7-0 run, seizing a 53-49 advantage with just 12 minutes remaining in the game. Tre Donaldson was instrumental in this surge, scoring nine points within the first eight minutes, including two pivotal three-pointers. As the offense found its rhythm, L.J. Cason added his own contributions by scoring five critical points during this stretch.
The Hokies of Virginia Tech (3-3) faced a significant setback, enduring a troubling 3:52 scoring drought as Michigan capitalized by successfully shooting five of seven field goals, establishing a 61-52 lead with only 7:01 left on the clock. During this crucial period, Virginia Tech struggled to find their shooting accuracy, going over six minutes without a basket, allowing Michigan to solidify its lead. Vladislav Goldin, who was hindered by foul trouble in the opening half, stepped up remarkably, scoring all eight of his points in this decisive second half.
Virginia Tech managed to convert only one field goal in the last five minutes of the game, while their turnovers plagued them, as they committed a total of 19 mistakes during the match. In contrast, Michigan tightened their offensive strategy in the second half, only committing four turnovers and successfully reaching the free throw line 18 times, compared to just a meager two attempts in the first half.
First Half:
The game commenced with Michigan struggling from beyond the arc, hitting only 1-for-10 from three-point range initially. They faced a daunting four-and-a-half-minute scoring drought while Virginia Tech capitalized with a dominant 10-0 run. Tschetter’s three-pointer finally halted the Hokies’ advance, but Virginia Tech still led 14-8 with 12:53 remaining in the half.
Michigan experienced a challenging start, shooting only 28 percent from the field in the opening ten minutes. The Hokies found more success, making six of their next seven attempts to pull ahead 26-17 at the under-eight timeout. Gayle spearheaded a remarkable 12-2 run for Michigan, scoring seven points during this stretch, enabling the Wolverines to take a narrow 29-28 lead with just 3:55 left in the first half.
The Wolverines struggled with their three-point shooting, making only six of their 23 attempts in the first half, three of which came from Nimari Burnett. Interestingly, Michigan didn’t attempt a free throw until there were 54 seconds remaining in the half, while the Hokies capitalized at the line, going 7-for-10. Despite not sinking a field goal over the final 2:54, the Wolverines finished the half strong with a 17-7 run, taking a slim 34-33 lead into halftime.
What’s Next
Looking ahead, Michigan is set to face off against the winner of the Xavier versus South Carolina matchup in the championship game of the Beach Division at the Fort Myers Tip-Off, scheduled for Wednesday (Nov. 27) at 8:30 p.m. Fans can catch the action live on FS1.
Notes
• Michigan now holds a 5-2 all-time record against Virginia Tech.
• This game marked Donaldson’s fifth instance of making at least two three-pointers this season.
• Wolf’s impressive 11 rebounds reflect his third game of the season with double-digit rebounding efforts.
• Michigan’s four turnovers in the second half represent the lowest total they’ve committed in any half this season, tying with their performance against Tarleton State.
**Interview with Coach Jacek Kowalski of the University of Michigan Men’s Basketball Team**
**Host:** Good morning, Coach Kowalski! Thanks for joining us today. Congratulations on a fantastic win against Virginia Tech in the Fort Myers Tip-Off. That second-half performance was particularly impressive.
**Coach Kowalski:** Thank you! It was a solid win for us, and I think it really showcased our team’s resilience and ability to adapt under pressure.
**Host:** Roddy Gayle Jr. had a standout game, scoring 20 points. What did you see from him during the match that made the difference?
**Coach Kowalski:** Roddy has been a key player for us this season, and he really stepped up when we needed him. His ability to penetrate the defense and get to the free-throw line is critical. Plus, his 6-for-6 performance from the line was huge for us, especially in the later stages of the game.
**Host:** The second half saw a significant turnaround for your team. What adjustments did you make that shifted the momentum?
**Coach Kowalski:** We emphasized tightening our defense and maintaining our composure on offense. We recognized that Virginia Tech was on a scoring drought, and that allowed us to push our advantage. Also, Tre Donaldson’s contributions with those three-pointers early in the half really sparked us.
**Host:** It seemed like there were some struggles in the first half, particularly with the three-point shooting early on. How do you think your team’s mentality changed in the second half?
**Coach Kowalski:** Our first half was definitely a challenge. The slow start can be attributed to nerves and a tough matchup, but we talked at halftime about sticking to our game plan and trusting our skills. The players responded well, finding better shot selections and creating opportunities for each other.
**Host:** Virginia Tech’s turnovers were a key factor as well, with them committing 19 during the game. How did you capitalize on that?
**Coach Kowalski:** We focused on applying pressure on their ball handlers and forcing them into tough positions. Our team’s defense tightened up after the first half, which led to those turnovers. Capitalizing on those mistakes was crucial for us in building our lead.
**Host:** Looking ahead, what are your thoughts as you prepare for the championship game?
**Coach Kowalski:** We need to maintain our defensive intensity and keep our offense flowing as we did in the second half. Each game is an opportunity to improve and adapt, and I’m excited to see how our team responds.
**Host:** Thanks so much for your insights, Coach! Best of luck in the championship game.
**Coach Kowalski:** Thank you! We appreciate your support!
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This interview format aims to capture insights and highlights from the game while addressing the tactical elements that contributed to Michigan’s victory. Let me know if you need any adjustments or additional details!
