LOS ANGELES — Danny Wolf showcased an outstanding performance by recording a season-best 21 points and 13 rebounds, leading Michigan to an 85-74 triumph over Southern California on Saturday night.
Wolf efficiently made 9 of his 12 attempts from the field, including two shots from beyond the arc, marking his seventh double-double of the season for the Wolverines, who now hold a record of 11-3 and stand at 3-0 in the Big Ten Conference. Additionally, he contributed seven assists and achieved a personal best by blocking six shots in the matchup.
In support of Wolf, Tre Donaldson and Nimari Burnett each added 16 points, with Donaldson also recording six assists. Roddy Gayle Jr. scored 12 points, while Vladislav Goldin chipped in with 11.
For the Trojans, Desmond Claude and Wesley Yates III both scored 19 points to lead their team (9-5, 1-2). Claude also pulled down seven rebounds, Kevin Patton Jr. contributed 14 points, and Saint Thomas added 10 points.
Michigan took a slight 42-38 lead into halftime, thanks in part to Burnett’s 13 points and Donaldson’s 12 points, with the duo combining to hit 7 of 8 from three-point range. Claude opened the scoring for USC in the second half, but Michigan went on a 13-0 run, fueled by Wolf’s four baskets and Goldin’s three-point play and dunk, extending their lead to 55-40 with 16 minutes to play.
USC fought back and managed to take a 65-63 lead with a layup by Patton at the 7:33 mark. However, Gayle contributed six points during a 10-0 scoring spree that pushed Michigan ahead 73-65 with just over five minutes left. Although USC scored the next six points, Goldin and Wolf combined to score back-to-back baskets in a final 10-0 run that secured the victory for Michigan.
This contest marked the first encounter between these two schools since December 27, 1981, when the Trojans emerged victorious with a score of 77-63 during the Holiday Classic at the L.A. Sports Arena.
Michigan will remain in Los Angeles to face No. 15 UCLA on Tuesday, while USC is set to travel to Indiana for their next game on Wednesday.
