No. 7 Michigan Faces San Diego State to Open Players Era Festival in Las Vegas
The NIL-centered festival opens with a pace-versus-defense test pitting Dusty May against Brian Dutcher.
Overview
- Tipoff is Monday night at Michelob ULTRA Arena, with Michigan entering 4-0 and San Diego State 2-1.
- The coaches reconnect after Dutcher’s Aztecs edged May’s Florida Atlantic 72-71 in the 2023 Final Four.
- Michigan is averaging 89.8 points on 50.4% shooting, led by Yaxel Lendeborg’s interior production and support from Elliot Cadeau, Aday Mara, Morez Johnson Jr., Trey McKenney and Roddy Gayle Jr., though turnovers sit at 15.0 per game.
- San Diego State leans on its half-court defense after a 108-107 double-overtime loss to Troy, with 7-foot Magoon Gwath returning from injury to post 20 points in his season debut.
- Previews position Michigan as the favorite, citing depth and Lendeborg’s post presence as potential late-game advantages.