Michigan basketball has plenty to be thankful for as it got the first ranked win of the Dusty May era, defeating No. 22 Xavier 78-53 on Wednesday and claim the Fort Myers Tip-Off Championship.
The Wolverines (6-1) were up by one when they went on a 19-3 run in a six-minute stretch in the first half to pull ahead 38-21; from there they held a double digit lead much of the rest of the way to cruise to the win. Five different people scored during the stretch, but none were as big as Danny Wolf, who had his best game for the maize and blue with 20 points and 14 rebounds on 8-of-12 shooting.
He set the tone early with a game opening 3-pointer, and didn’t miss from deep the rest of the half (4-for-4). His long ball to start was followed by the first 3-pointer of Vlad Goldin’s U-M career; as he too had his best game in a Michigan uniform.
Goldin finished around the rim, and was a general factor as he scored six straight after Xavier got within eight in the second half. He had 18 points, his most through seven games, on 7-of-9 shooting with five rebounds and a block.
The two 7-footers were joined only by Tre Donaldson, 13 points, in double figures. Michigan’s defense also was tight, holding Xavier to 20-of-58 shooting (34.5%) and forcing 19 turnovers (10 steals) which turned into 11 points.
Michigan went on a 19-2 run in 6:54 minutes to close the contest, highlighted by a behind-the back dish from Donaldson to Goldin for the slam.
Xavier (6-1) was only in the game at the half because Ryan Conwell hit three long balls before the break and finished with a game-high 19 for the Musketeers. Zach Freemattle added a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
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Perhaps its an omen that Michigan beat an Ohio-based team ahead of “The Game.” There’s a solid chance Michigan is ranked the next time it takes the court on Tuesday at Wisconsin (9 p.m., Peacock) for its Big Ten opener.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Danny Wolf, Vlad Goldin propel Michigan basketball over Xavier 78-53
