UM-Dearborn Basketball Triumphant in Home Opener
Zachary Cody led the Wolverines with nine rebounds, five on the offensive glass.
DEARBORN, Mich. -- The University of Michigan-Dearborn men's basketball team secured a 74-67 victory over Kuyper College in a hard-fought contest on Saturday (Nov. 9). The Wolverines, despite struggling with shooting efficiency, held off a resilient Kuyper squad to earn a victory in their home opener.
The Wolverines were led by Joshua Warren, who delivered a standout performance with 15 points on 4-of-6 shooting, including a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line. Ali Hassan also had a significant impact, contributing 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including 4-of-7 from deep. Jackson Reynolds added 14 points; although he had an off-night shooting (3-of-16), he was a key playmaker, dishing out seven assists.
Despite shooting only 31.9% from the field, UM-Dearborn's defense and offensive rebounding made up for their shooting struggles. The Wolverines grabbed 45 rebounds, including 19 on the offensive glass, which helped them get crucial second-chance opportunities.
Kuyper College fought hard, led by Sam Dillard, who had an impressive 23 points on 8-of-13 shooting, including 6-of-8 from the free-throw line. Jacob May was also a major contributor, finishing with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Despite a strong effort from their top players, Kuyper struggled with shooting, finishing the game with only 44.1% shooting from the field and 18.2% from three-point range.
The Cougars kept the game close, mainly through the efforts of Herman Brown (9 points) and Jeremiah Jolliffi (8 points). Still, their inability to convert on outside shots (2-of-11 from three) and the Wolverines' ability to capitalize on second-chance opportunities proved to be the difference.
