BUFFALO, N.Y. – The No. 1-ranked Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball team overcame an early surge from No. 16-ranked Howard Bison and pulled away in the second half to secure a win in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday.
Michigan coach Dusty May credited Howard’s energy and shot-making early, saying his team absorbed a “haymaker” in the first half before settling in to take a 101-80 victory.
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“Our guys never played scared. They never played tight,” May said. “They just continued to get to the next possession and found a way to separate in the second half.”
Howard’s aggressive play and perimeter shooting kept the game close early, but Michigan responded after halftime with improved defense and more efficient offense inside.
Forward Morez Johnson Jr. said the team focused on staying composed during Howard’s runs.
“Every team is going to make their runs,” Johnson said. “We just had to stay poised and keep playing.”
Johnson Jr. led the team in scoring with 21 points and 10 rebounds while shooting 8-8 from the field in 26 minutes.
Hometown star Roddy Gayle Jr., playing in front of a large group of family and supporters, said the atmosphere helped fuel his performance.
“It means a lot, especially seeing the type of love and support that came to tonight’s game,” Gayle Jr. said. “You just play free.”
The 6-foot-5, 210-pound senior was born in Niagara Falls, New York, and attended Lewiston-Porter High School, making Buffalo a familiar setting as he prepares to play on one of college basketball’s biggest stages.
Gayle Jr. finished with 14 points while shooting 6-7 from the field in the victory.
He says his path to the NCAA Tournament stage was shaped by players who came before him in his hometown of Niagara Falls.
Gale pointed to former Syracuse Orange men’s basketball standouts Jonny Flynn and Paul Harris as key influences growing up.
“Watching those Syracuse games as a kid, seeing how they really came from nothing, being from a small town, small community, but everybody showed love,” Gayle Jr. said.
He said their style of play left a lasting impression on how he approaches the game.
“The way they played the game was just infectious,” Gayle Jr. said. “That’s how I try to implement my game as well — just playing with relentless energy.”
Gayle said that the foundation helped shape his mindset as he competes on college basketball’s biggest stage.
He says his elevated play during the NCAA Tournament comes down to urgency and mindset.
Gayle Jr., who delivered another strong postseason performance, said the stakes of win-or-go-home basketball naturally raise the intensity.
“I just think it’s desperation,” Gayle Jr. said. “It’s win or lose — if you lose, you go home.”
The senior added that his focus is on making a deep run, a goal shared by the team since the offseason.
“My goal is to make the championship game and win,” Gayle Jr. said. “That’s every single one of our goals.”
Despite the heightened stakes, Gayle Jr. said his approach remains simple.
“I just look at it as a new season,” Gayle Jr. said. “No stats, no percentages — just go out there and play free and play hard for each other.”
Gayle Jr. said Michigan treated the tournament as a fresh start following its loss to the Purdue Boilermakers in the Big Ten Tournament championship game.
“There’s no stats, no percentages,” Gayle Jr. said. “Just go out there and play hard for each other.”
Michigan’s defense tightened in the second half, forcing tougher shots and creating transition opportunities.
May said communication and intensity improved after the break.
“I thought our communication was better, our intensity improved,” May said.
The Wolverines also capitalized on matchups inside, using their size to wear down Howard as the game progressed.
“These games are tricky,” May said, referencing other close calls in the tournament. “You can’t play hero ball. You’ve got to make hustle plays that turn the tide.”
Despite the loss, May praised Howard’s performance and preparation.
“They’re well coached. They play well together. They have great passion and spirit,” he said. “What a great story.”
Michigan advances in the tournament, while Howard’s season comes to an end.
The Wolverines will take on the winner of the No. 8/No. 9 matchup with St. Louis and Georgia on Saturday.