UConn beats Michigan 85-77 in Boston rematch
Braylon Mullins scored 23 points as the fourth-ranked Huskies defeated the 16th-ranked Wolverines in a repeat of last year's final.
By Samuel Hayes ·
UConn men's basketball fans saw their team take control of a high-profile matchup on Friday night. The fourth-ranked Huskies defeated the 16th-ranked Michigan Wolverines 85-77 at TD Garden in Boston.
The scoreline reflects a shift in momentum compared to April. Michigan won last season's NCAA championship game against UConn 69-63. That victory was secured despite the Wolverines making only two three-pointers. On Friday, UConn dominated the perimeter, connecting on nine long-range shots while shooting 42% from the field. Michigan managed just 7 of 28 from beyond the arc, a struggle that proved costly against a Huskies team that led by 18 points during the first half.
Braylon Mullins led the offensive effort for UConn with 23 points. He also hit 10 of 11 free throws, a performance that helped seal the win as Michigan closed the gap in the final minute. Silas Demary Jr. contributed 21 points and seven rebounds. Colben Landrew added 14 points and eight rebounds off the bench. The Huskies, now 2-0, forced 11 Michigan turnovers in the opening 20 minutes, a key factor in their early lead.
The game featured a moment of friction at the end of the first half. With the score at 32-28 in favor of UConn, the Michigan bench drew a technical foul. Coach Dan Hurley briefly stepped onto the court before his assistants pulled him back. The incident served as a catalyst, as the Huskies closed the period on an 11-2 run to take a 13-point lead into halftime.
Michigan head coach Mike Boynton Jr. suffered his first loss in a new role. He was elevated from assistant to head coach after Dusty May left for the NBA's Dallas Mavericks following the title run. Boynton's team stayed competitive, with Trey McKenney leading the Wolverines with 22 points on 8 of 18 shooting. J.P. Estrella recorded 19 points and nine rebounds, while Roddy Gayle Jr. scored 18. Elliot Cadeau, the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four, finished with eight points before fouling out late.
Both teams return to action this week. UConn is scheduled to host Wagner on Monday. Michigan will host Marquette on Wednesday.
The result extends UConn's winning start to the season. The Huskies remain undefeated in their first two games of the 2026-27 campaign.
