ANN ARBOR, Mich. — In an impressive season opener, Michigan showcased its strength by defeating Cleveland State with a score of 101-53 on Monday night. This game marked the debut of coach Dusty May, who took the helm after a challenging season where the Wolverines recorded only 8 wins against 24 losses under former player Juwan Howard.

Danny Wolf played a pivotal role in the victory, contributing 19 points and securing 13 rebounds. Meanwhile, Tre Donaldson made his presence known as well, scoring 16 points and distributing seven assists throughout the game. The Wolverines maintained control from the start, never allowing their opponents to take the lead.

Coach May, previously at Florida Atlantic, holds the distinction of having led the Owls to their first-ever Final Four in 2023, as well as setting a program record for wins during his six-year tenure there, with a total of 126 victories. The Wolverines sought to turn the tide this season after their previous struggles.

Wolf, a 7-foot transfer from Yale, was a standout player last season, earning a unanimous first-team selection in the Ivy League. In addition to his scoring and rebounding, he recorded three steals and three blocks, showcasing his defensive prowess. Will Tschetter, shooting an efficient 7-of-9, added 15 points, while freshman L.J. Cason contributed 14 points. Furthermore, Roddy Gayle Jr., another transfer from Ohio State, chipped in with 13 points.

Donaldson, who joined from Auburn, began the game strong, netting six points in quick succession. Tschetter then extended Michigan’s lead with a layup followed by a 3-pointer within a mere 33 seconds, establishing a 13-4 advantage just five minutes into the action.

A decisive moment came in the first half when Michigan unleashed an 18-2 run, propelling them to a 45-21 lead with just 2:31 remaining before halftime. From that point on, Cleveland State faced a daunting challenge, trailing by at least 23 points for the remainder of the contest.

For Cleveland State, Dylan Arnett was a notable performer with seven points and 10 rebounds. The Wolverines demonstrated exceptional shooting accuracy, hitting 68% of their shots from the field (39 of 57) and a commendable 59% from beyond the arc with 10 of 18 successful attempts.