Michigan didn't bring its "A" game in the first half of Thursday night's game against Bradley and was tied at halftime as a result. The Braves were putting up a fight, and Michigan had to respond to its first real challenge since it played Oakland a couple weeks ago. The Wolverines answered the call by responding with a stellar second half. They outscored Bradley 44-33 in the final 20 minutes en route to a 77-66 victory.
Michigan's starters were responsible for all but three of the team's points against Bradley. All five starters scored in double figures. Evan Smotrycz had the most points (20) and also grabbed 10 rebounds for a double-double. Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 16 points, one more than Jordan Morgan's 15. Trey Burke added 12 for the Wolverines, and Zack Novak had 11 points.
Interestingly enough, Bradley's starters were also responsible for all but three of the team's points. All five of the Braves' starters scored in double figures as well. Taylor Brown and Walt Lemon had the most points with 17 and 16, respectively, and Shayok Shayok, Jordan Prosser and Dyricus Simms-Edwards each had 10 points.
With the win, Michigan is now 10-2 this season. The Wolverines will take that record into Big Ten play next Thursday (Dec. 29) when Penn State comes to town for the Big Ten opener.