Michigan basketball beats Oakland 84-68: Five takeaways from opener

For the second straight year, Michigan basketball opened up the season against in-state Oakland University. But would the result of the game — and the season — be the same as last year?

The Wolverines broke the Big Ten national championship drought, one that lasted 25 years. But it’s a new (ish) regime in Ann Arbor, with former assistant Mike Boynton Jr. taking over for Dusty May after the latter departed for the NBA. There are some familiar faces on the court, but it’s mostly a new cast of characters.

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In the first half, Michigan couldn’t quite dampen the Golden Grizzlies’ offensive attack as well as it had a year ago, when it won 121-78. But eventually, though the Wolverines solved the zone defense enough, the second half was an overall defensive slog, with both teams struggling to score. Michigan had pulled away to some degree, getting up to a 15-point lead, but the Grizzlies clawed back, pulling within seven on the heels of an 8-0 run.

The Wolverines responded with a run to push the lead back to 16, and they didn’t look back. They finished with the wide margin, beating Oakland, 84-68.

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Photos: Michigan basketball opens season with win over Oakland

Michigan forward J.P. Estrella (13) tries to block Oakland guard Nassim Mashhour (0) during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.

(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

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Photos: Michigan basketball opens season with win over Oakland

Michigan forward J.P. Estrella (13) tries to block Oakland guard Nassim Mashhour (0) during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.

(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

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Photos: Michigan basketball opens season with win over Oakland

Michigan guard Trey McKenney (1) dribbles against Oakland guard Ryder Bradley (3) during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.

(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

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Photos: Michigan basketball opens season with win over…

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Publish date : 2026-11-03 01:19:00

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