UConn dismantles Michigan in 85-77 exhibition

UConn men's basketball defeated Michigan 85-77 on Friday night in a rematch of last season's national championship game. The victory at TD Garden in Boston served as a response to the 69-63 loss the Huskies suffered to the Wolverines six months earlier in the NCAA final.

The fourth-ranked Huskies established an early lead that they never relinquished. Braylon Mullins scored 23 points for the winner, while freshman Colben Landrew added 14. Silas Demary Jr. contributed 21 points and seven rebounds, finishing the game with a strong offensive performance.

Demary, a 6-foot-4 senior guard, played a physical role in the win. He was injured by an ankle issue during the previous championship game against Michigan. On Friday, he made diving saves and scored from deep range and near the basket.

Michigan held a 2-0 lead for the first six seconds of the game. Moustapha Thiam finished a lob pass from J.P. Estrella for the initial basket. Mullins responded immediately with a three-pointer. The Huskies took a lead they maintained for the remainder of the contest.

Foul trouble limited Michigan's scoring opportunities in the first half. UConn received a technical foul when Oskar Giltay was called for a foul with under five minutes remaining in the half. Quinn Costello and Estrella missed three of four free throws, allowing Michigan to score only two points in the final stretch of the first half.

The game featured several notable moments beyond the scoreline. Solo Ball participated in pregame warmups in uniform but did not play, watching from the bench in civilian clothes. Bob Hurley Sr., the Naismith Hall of Fame high school coach, received his Hall of Fame jacket after a video tribute at halftime. Ray Allen and Carmen Velasquez, mother of Shabazz Napier, sat courtside.