Cleary Hands Wolverines 76–62 Setback Despite Reynolds’ 20-Point Night
Michigan-Dearborn’s backcourt led the charge, but a strong shooting night from the Cougars kept the Wolverines from closing the gap in the second half.
DEARBORN, Mich. – The University of Michigan-Dearborn men's basketball team couldn't overcome a fast start from Cleary on Wednesday night, falling 76–62 in a WHAC matchup at the UM-Dearborn Fieldhouse.
The Wolverines battled from behind for most of the night after Cleary opened the game with a 41-point first half, using strong guard play and timely three-point shooting to build a 10-point lead at the break. UM-Dearborn tightened defensively in the second half, holding the Cougars to 35 points, but offensive inconsistencies prevented a sustained comeback effort.
Junior guard Jackson Reynolds led the Wolverines with 20 points, knocking down three triples while adding five rebounds and two assists. Luc Laketa provided a boost with 14 points and six boards, and Thomas Dillard IV anchored the interior with eight points and a team-high nine rebounds.
UM-Dearborn generated 40 rebounds and forced 13 Cleary turnovers but struggled to capitalize, shooting 35.9% from the field and 11-of-23 from the free-throw line. Cleary countered with a balanced attack as Bennie Crenshaw Jr. scored a game-high 20 points, while Nick Ellis and Jacob Mueller chipped in 13 apiece. The Cougars also went 18-of-21 at the line, maintaining control any time the Wolverines threatened a run.
