New-Look Michigan Basketball Outscores Oregon State in Preseason Shootout

Michigan's new look basketball team outscored Oregon State 98-93 in a preseason showdown, marking their second win on the exhibition schedule. Head coach Mike Boynton Jr. acknowledged that the team's defense will be different this year, as key players such as Aday Mara, Yaxel Lendeborg, and Morez Johnson Jr. had all become NBA Lottery Picks.

Oregon State, however, proved to be a tough challenge with their 35.7 percent accuracy from the three-point line, scoring 35 points. Despite giving up 44 points in the paint, Michigan's defense forced 17 turnovers, which led to 31 points. Senior guard Elliott Cadeau's first-half foul trouble and the return of Roddy Gayle Jr. are seen as crucial for the Wolverines' perimeter defense.

Cadeau led the scoring with 27 points, 8 assists and 2 steals, while Moustapha Thiam contributed 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists. The Wolverines took a 45-42 lead at halftime, and closed out the win by outscoring Oregon State 6-3 in the final minute after holding a slim 92-90 lead. Michigan will conclude their preseason games at The Battleground 2k26 in Grand Rapids against Houston on Sunday at 1 p.m., with the regular season opener against Oakland on Nov. 2.