McNeese State, coached by Will Wade, notched an 87-76 upset over the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, leading for the final 32-plus minutes of the game. The Cowboys, improving to 11-2, capitalized on multiple buy game victories this season, including tonight's performance. Michigan, now 6-7, was plagued by turnovers on 43% of possessions and struggled defensively, allowing McNeese to dominate the paint with a 22-4 scoring advantage. Despite Michigan leading 12-9 at the first media timeout (U16) and shooting 6-of-12 from three, they could not maintain control. Shahada Wells starred for McNeese with a remarkable 30 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals, marking the first Division I player to achieve such a stat line since Ben Simmons in 2015. Michigan's loss, which follows a 3-0 start to the season, is their third consecutive defeat in their first game after Christmas.
McNeese rolls to upset victory over Michigan https://t.co/KQkHAJIJB3 https://t.co/7vil6OT6Jb
How about that, Will Wade and @McNeeseMBB defeat Michigan 87-76 McNeese is now 11-2 on the season, even with ‘Willy The Kid’ serving his ten-game suspension https://t.co/cYiEBf4Oqh
Holy Will Wade! The Black Knight and McNeese State upset Michigan: https://t.co/TzTYrjPTvS
McNeese State is 11-2. No one ever said @WillWade_MSU couldn’t coach. https://t.co/a6Rd0hi6d8
I interrupt a fun night of college football to let you know that McNeese State, led by head coach Will Wade, just went to Michigan and won by double figures. Whatever you think about Will Wade - he was always a HELL of a coach. He's proving it yet again https://t.co/NINwmX1d6F
MCNEESE TAKES DOWN MICHIGAN 👀 Will Wade and his Cowboys pull out a W in Ann Arbor 🔥 https://t.co/RrkN7409SZ
For the second time in as many years, Michigan basketball loses a buy game to a mid-major opponent in the days before its football team plays a CFP semifinal. McNeese tops Michigan 87-76 and the season is officially on the ropes before the calendar has turned to 2024.
McNeese State made 20 layups/dunks to Michigan's 22 made field goals. The Wolverines turned the ball over 15 times and trailed by two-plus possessions for the final 16 minutes of an 87-76 loss to Will Wade's crew. U-M is now 6-7 on the season. Recap: https://t.co/jFmyKPf33t https://t.co/BzFJxarjKE
Will Wade can still coach some ball, man. McNeese wins at Michigan, leaves the Wolverines 6-7 heading into the New Year. Cowboys very much in the dangerous mid-major conversation. Will be favored the rest of the way.
McNeese State takes down Michigan! https://t.co/QjHZlr9SY6
McNeese’s Shahada Wells!! In tonight’s road win at Michigan: - 30 pts - 10 reb - 6 ast - 5 stl He’s the first D-I player with at least 30 points, 10 boards, 5 assists and 5 steals in a game since Ben Simmons in 2015. First against a high major team since Kemba vs Cuse in 2011.
Final from Ann Arbor: McNeese 87, Michigan 76. Wolverines fall to 6-7 overall. They are 1-1 in the B1G.
Final score: McNeese State 87, Michigan 76. Wolverines fall to 6-7 on the season. Third year in a row that Michigan has lost its first game after Christmas. https://t.co/m33pre485e
Michigan loses a buy game to McNeese. The epitome of brutality.
FINAL: McNeese 87, Michigan 76. In Ann Arbor. McNeese led for the final 32-plus minutes of the game. Another big-time performance from Shahada Wells: 30 points, 10 boards, 6 assists. Will Wade has McNeese 11-2 entering Southland play. Michigan drops to 6-7 after a 3-0 start.
After beating St. John’s on Nov. 13, Michigan has now lost 7 of its last 10 games after tonight’s setback against Will Wade and McNeese State. Wolverines are 6-7 overall.
More B1G hoops: McNeese State with a strong-ass effort tonight in Ann Arbor. Will Wade's team with an 82-72 lead over Michigan with 1:06 left. Barring a late comeback, Michigan will fall to 6-7 overall.
Nothing flukey about this one. McNeese has been the better team all night. Better plan, better execution and better energy. Wolverines running out of time down 10 at the under 4. https://t.co/LJOm47OuVX
Will Wade and McNeese State: 66 Juwan Howard and Michigan: 58 7 minutes remaining in Ann Arbor.
👀👀 This Will Wade McNeese/Michigan situation in 2nd half!!!
Michigan had it down to two possessions a couple of times there but couldn't get the stop and the score. McNeese with 33 dunk/layup attempts. Michigan with 8. Michigan with 13 turnovers. McNeese with 1. https://t.co/NfsgNrV2FK
Shambolic half from Michigan. U-M is 10-of-19 from deep but was outscored by McNeese 22-4 in the paint. Turnovers, fouls, guarding the ball, decision making. Michigan struggled in every area except making open threes (which is crucial against a McNeese team that gives 'em up) https://t.co/IHc76U0dMW
1st | 4:14 | 4th Media of 1st Half McNeese 35, Michigan 28 Wolverines on a 5-0 run after not having made a FG in over 5 minutes. Good timeout called by the Cowboys to halt momentum. #BayouBandits | #GeauxPokes
Michigan has had a couple of ugly halves this year (LBSU, TTU), but this one is up there. McNeese is dominating the game. https://t.co/rc8iAaY7do
It’s been exactly a year since Michigan lost to Central Michigan in their last non-conference game of the season. The Wolverines are currently down 10 to McNeese… in their final non-con game
Michigan is 6-of-12 from three and scoring under a point per possession. McNeese State running layup lines on the other end of the floor. Almost feels like the 6-point deficit is generous to how Michigan is playing. https://t.co/dBoVSKLfxC
Turnovers are the big issue for Michigan here. Giving the ball away on 43% of possessions with some poor decisions trying to pass over and around McNeese's funky defense. https://t.co/WxLoS8PDX5
Michigan leads 12-9 at the U16 -- all on threes. McNeese gives up *a lot* of them and Michigan hasn't even attempted a shot inside the arc yet. https://t.co/Ye1wQ83SRw
Game 13: McNeese State at Michigan Open Thread - https://t.co/FSttZAZx8h https://t.co/FSttZAZx8h
Michigan availability report tonight vs. McNeese. https://t.co/28B54Hs5ZF
Game 13: McNeese State at Michigan Preview - https://t.co/SLmnJPjTAW https://t.co/SLmnJPjTAW
McNeese has already won multiple buy games this season and has another opportunity tonight against Michigan in Ann Arbor. Will Wade leads the 10-2 Cowboys into Crisler Arena against the 6-6 Wolverines. Intriguing matchup.