DEARBORN, Mich. -- In a thrilling showdown on Saturday (Feb. 22), the University of Michigan-Dearborn men's basketball team secured a hard-fought victory over Defiance College with a final score of 86-81. The game showcased an exciting battle between two competitive teams, leaving fans on the edge of their seats throughout the night. With the win, the team clinched their first postseason berth since the 2019-20 season.
UM-Dearborn came out aggressive in the first half, taking control of the game early on. The Wolverines established a commanding lead, driven by Jackson Reynolds' impressive performance. Reynolds contributed 22 points, including an impeccable 10-of-10 from the free-throw line. The first half ended with UM-Dearborn ahead 50-39, as they demonstrated their offensive prowess while limiting Defiance's scoring opportunities.
Defiance College regrouped during halftime and returned to the court with renewed energy. Evan Angstmann led the charge for Defiance, scoring 19 points and making critical contributions alongside teammate Jalen Brown, who added 15 points. Despite their efforts, the Wolverines maintained their lead through consistent shooting and solid defense. Throughout the second half, the Yellow Jackets narrowed the gap, but UM-Dearborn's resilience shone as they held a slight edge, finishing the game strong at the free-throw line. They converted 26 of 31 free throws, providing crucial points that kept them in the lead during the final minutes of play.
For Michigan-Dearborn, Reynolds was the standout performer with 22 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds. The triple-double marks the first for any men's basketball player dating back to the early 2000s, showcasing his all-around game. Joshua Warren also made significant contributions with 14 points, while Zachary Cody added another 14 points. Defiance College fought valiantly with solid performances from their key players. Alongside Angstmann and Brown, Christian Burton made notable contributions with 12 points and an impressive 10 rebounds, while Devonte Curry added 10 points.
The Wolverines await the matchup in the upcoming Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference Tournament.
