Michigan Wins Close Game, Stays Top in Big Ten

0:00On March 6th, the third ranked Michigan Wolverines edged out the Iowa Hawkeyes 71-68 on Thursday night in Iowa City. This victory capped their perfect road record through the 2025-2026 regular season. Fowards, more as Johnson Jr., and Yoxa Lindaborg, led with 16 points each, keeping Michigan at 27-2 overall and 17-1 in the Big 10 with just one game left. The first half was a battle of mistakes, as Michigan racked up 12 turnovers while Iowa forced them relentlessly. Both teams shot well from the free-throw line, but struggled elsewhere, ending tied at 30 apiece. Coach Dusty May shuffled rotations early, without usual starter. L.J. Kason, giving bench players like Roddy Gale Jr. a spark to keep things close. In the second half, the lead changed hands multiple times with quick scoring runs on both sides. Michigan pulled ahead late thanks to strong inside play from a day Mara, and clutch stops from Gale.

1:01Iowa's Bennett Sturts poured in 21 points, but the Hawkeyes missed the final shot, letting Michigan escape with the 3-point win despite 18 total turnovers. This result solidifies Michigan's top spot in the Big 10 standings and boosts their resume heading into the postseason. Key contributors like Elliott Kado with 11 points and 9 assists show the team's depth. Michigan now eyes a strong regular season finish against rival Michigan State on Sunday, at 4.30 p.m. Eastern on CBS, in Crystal Center. center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center center