Mullins' 23 points sink Michigan in 85-77 loss to UConn
The Huskies used a 13-point halftime lead and 10 of 11 free throws to avenge their championship game defeat from a year ago.
By Renata Mehta ·
Braylon Mullins scored 23 points and converted 10 of 11 free throws to guide the fourth-ranked University of Connecticut past 16th-ranked Michigan 85-77 on Friday night. The victory at Boston's TD Garden settled a rematch of the previous season's national title contest.
UConn controlled the game through the first half, establishing an 18-point lead. The Huskies shot 42% from the field and made nine three-pointers. Michigan struggled from deep, converting only 7 of 28 attempts. The Wolverines held their own shooting percentage at 41%, but the deficit grew too large to overcome.
Michigan managed to close within single digits during the final minute. The game ended at the free-throw line, where UConn's efficiency sealed the result. The Huskies finished the game with a 2-0 record, while Michigan dropped to 1-1.
Silas Demary Jr. contributed 21 points and seven rebounds for UConn. Colben Landrew provided 14 points and eight rebounds off the bench. Michigan received 22 points from Trey McKenney, who shot 8 of 18 from the field. J.P. Estrella added 19 points and nine rebounds, while Roddy Gayle Jr. scored 18.
Elliot Cadeau, who earned the Most Outstanding Player award in the April Final Four, scored eight points before fouling out late in the game. The matchup featured a new head coach for Michigan in Mike Boynton Jr. Boynton took over as head coach after Dusty May departed to join the Dallas Mavericks following last season's championship run.
UConn played without two players who were selected in the first round of the NBA draft during last year's tournament. The Huskies forced 11 Michigan turnovers in the first half. A technical foul called on the Michigan bench with under five minutes remaining in the first half stirred UConn coach Dan Hurley. He stepped onto the court briefly before assistants pulled him back. The Huskies followed that moment with an 11-2 run to end the period.
Michigan will host Marquette on Wednesday. UConn will host Wagner on Monday.
