Michigan stayed hot by winning its fifth game over the last six as they ran past No. 14 Purdue 82-70 on Saturday afternoon for a Big Ten home win.
The Wolverines (19-10, 9-7) continued to look more-and-more like an NCAA tournament team by thoroughly outplaying one of the conference’s best teams during an impressive win. Forward Moritz Wagner paced the Michigan offense with 24 points while senior point guard Derrick Walton continued his strong recent play with 17 points and 11 rebounds and five assists.
Michigan shot 55 percent from the field and 42 percent from three-point range in the win as their offense looked incredibly efficient with Walton playing so well.
Purdue (23-6, 12-4) came out completely flat in a game in which they could have really helped their Big Ten title chances as they are now tied with Wisconsin in the loss column heading into the final week of the regular season. Maryland is also creeping within striking distance as the Big Ten conference race is getting interesting.
All-American candidate Caleb Swanigan finished with 18 points and five rebounds while Carsen Edwards also added 18 points.