ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Jon Teske scored 11 of his 15 points in the first half, and No. 14 Michigan cruised past Presbyterian 86-44 on Saturday despite losing Isaiah Livers to an apparent injury.
The Wolverines (9-3) snapped a two-game losing streak and took full advantage of an easier spot on the schedule. Michigan raced out to a 17-4 advantage and led 38-15 at halftime.
Livers went up for a dunk attempt and missed early in the first half, drawing a foul in the process. While he moved around under his own power, he was holding his left knee. Livers made two free throws, then left the game.
Eli Brooks scored 16 points for Michigan and David DeJulius added 12.
Owen McCormack led Presbyterian (2-10) with 10 points.
Michigan’s previous seven games had included four opponents in the top 10 and two others from the Big Ten. This was a break from that, but the Wolverines were sharp from the start. They’d had a week off after losing in overtime to Oregon.
BIG PICTURE
Presbyterian: The Blue Hose were competitive in a 10-point loss at Notre Dame last month, but they couldn’t keep this one close. Presbyterian shot 0 for 9 from 3-point range in the first half, which helped the game get quickly out of hand.
Michigan: The Wolverines won’t be happy with an injury in a game they won by 42, but Michigan was impressive at both ends of the court and had a chance to go deep into its bench during the second half.
POLL IMPLICATIONS
This game probably won’t change the perception of Michigan much. The Wolverines aren’t likely to be challenged again until they resume Big Ten play at Michigan State on Jan. 5.
UP NEXT
Presbyterian: The Blue Hose host Kentucky Christian next Sunday.
Michigan: The Wolverines have another lengthy break before hosting UMass Lowell next Sunday.
