Michigan Pulls Out 67-63 Win at TCU Behind Late Splash of Double-Doubles
In a closely fought matchup at Fort Worth, No. 6 Michigan overcame a stubborn TCU squad with a late push, sealing a 67-63 victory on Friday night. The game showcased the immediate impact transfers can have for a top-tier program, as Yaxel Lendeborg and Morez Johnson Jr. posted double-doubles that energized the Wolverines down the stretch.
Key Performances: Lendeborg and Johnson Jr.
Yaxel Lendeborg, who joined Michigan after transferring from UAB, finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds. His scoreboard contributions in the post and his ability to crash the boards at critical moments helped Michigan maintain momentum when the Horned Frogs pressed back. Lendeborg’s blend of interior scoring and rebounding provided the kind of versatile frontcourt presence Michigan has sought early in the season.
Morez Johnson Jr., the transfer from Illinois, also filled the stat sheet with a double-double, demonstrating why he was a sought-after addition in the transfer market. Johnson Jr. contributed across scoring and rebounding, creating second-chance opportunities and helping to stabilize Michigan when scoring was at a premium.
Game Flow and Critical Moments
The game opened with both teams trading baskets, reflecting a balanced pace that favored neither side. Michigan used a disciplined defensive approach in the first half to keep TCU within striking distance, while the Wolverines capitalized on a few key possessions to elongate their lead early in the second period.
As the night progressed, TCU’s defense tightened,, forcing Michigan into tougher late-shot-clock decisions. The Horned Frogs battled to stay within reach, and the score remained tight in the final minutes. It was in these closing moments that Michigan’s depth and the impact of the two transfers began to steer the game toward the final result.
Team Totals and Balance
While Lendeborg and Johnson Jr. led the way, Michigan benefited from solid contributions across the roster, including timely second-chance points and some perimeter defense that stymied TCU’s attempts to gain separation. The balance is a promising sign for a Wolverines squad still early in the season and looking to integrate new pieces with established contributors.
What This Win Means Now
Securing a road win in a non-conference environment is a meaningful statement for Michigan. The double-doubles from Lendeborg and Johnson Jr. indicate both the adaptability and the inside-out versatility Michigan can deploy tonight and on the road ahead. For coach and program, the game serves as a blueprint for how to navigate physical, grind-it-out contests when the shot-making rhythm isn’t always there.
Looking ahead, Michigan fans can take encouragement from the way Lendeborg and Johnson Jr. complemented the established guard play and interior defense. As the season unfolds, the Michigan roster depth and the ability to produce cleanly in the paint will likely become defining factors in the Wolverines’ pursuit of consistent big-game performances.
Final Thoughts
In a game that tested discipline, discipline paid off. Michigan’s 67-63 victory at TCU reinforced the value of transfer experience and its impact on a team’s ability to close tight games on the road. For TCU, the setback is a reminder that even solid performances can hinge on a handful of late-game possessions, and improvements in those moments will be crucial as they continue their season.
