Wolverines Defeat No. 5 St. John’s in Big Apple Overtime Battle

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Wolverines Defeat No. 5 St. John’s in Big Apple Overtime Battle

In a thrilling preseason exhibition, the seventh-ranked University of Michigan Wolverines clashed with the fifth-ranked St. John’s Red Storm on Saturday, October 25, in New York City. The contest, held at the iconic Madison Square Garden, showcased intense competition, leading to an overtime finish with Michigan triumphing 96-94.

Key Performers and Stats

The Wolverines were driven by Yaxel Lendeborg, who delivered a standout performance with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists. Other notable contributions included:

Aday Mara: 13 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks
Morez Johnson Jr.: 14 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks
Elliot Cadeau: 9 points, 9 assists
Roddy Gayle Jr.: 10 points, 5 rebounds

Overtime Dynamics

The overtime period kicked off with Wolverine free throws, giving them an early three-point lead. Johnson and Gayle made critical contributions before Will Tschetter extended it further with a decisive three-pointer.

However, St. John’s responded valiantly. Lefteris Liotopoulos scored eight consecutive points, leveling the game once more. The final moments saw both teams battling, but a late offensive rebound and free throw from Gayle sealed the victory for Michigan.

Game Breakdown

First Half

Michigan started strong, showcasing sharp shooting from Lendeborg. Despite a competitive first half, the Wolverines entered halftime trailing 35-34 after a persistent Red Storm kept the pressure on.

Second Half

The second half saw both teams exchanging leads. St. John’s maintained an edge until crucial plays from Lendeborg and others allowed Michigan to regain momentum. The game intensified as Michigan and St. John’s both fought for every point, ultimately resulting in an 84-84 tie at the end of regulation.

What’s Next for Michigan

Michigan is set to unveil its 2025 Big Ten Tournament championship banner before its regular-season opener against Oakland on Monday, November 3, at Crisler Center. The game will begin at 8:30 p.m., and early attendees will receive a commemorative replica banner.