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7 takeaways from No. 3 Michigan Basketball’s road win at Iowa

· Yahoo Sports

Mar 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) controls the ball against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images | Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The No. 3 Michigan Wolverines survived the Iowa Hawkeyes 71-68 on Thursday, becoming the first Big Ten team to go unbeaten on the road in five decades. Michigan moved to 28-2 and 18-1 in Big Ten play in the final road game of the year.

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Here are seven takeaways from the narrow win.

Michigan reaches historic milestone with road win

The Wolverines are in the midst of a historic season, and Dusty May’s team continued to reach milestones with the win at Iowa, becoming the first Big Ten team to go undefeated on the road (10-0) since Indiana in 1976. Michigan also set the school-record for most regular season wins (28) and tied the Big Ten record for most conference wins (18) in an individual season.

Free throw shooting and rebounding make up for sa loppy showing

Michigan struggled for most of the night, but efficient free throw shooting and dominant rebounding was enough to make up for an otherwise sloppy showing. The Wolverines shot 17-for-22 from the free throw line and held a 38-25 advantage in rebounds. Even though it wasn’t pretty, Michigan’s efficiency at the line and effort on the glass proved to be massive in the victory.

Turnovers continue to be Michigan’s kryptonite

The Wolverines don’t have many weaknesses, but turnovers have been a kryptonite, and that concerning trend was apparent. Michigan committed an alarming eight turnovers in the first eight minutes, and totaled 18 giveaways, which led to 26 points off turnovers by Iowa. Turnovers might be the one thing that could hold Michigan back from competing for a national title.

Yaxel Lendeborg likely locked up Big Ten Player of the Year

Lendeborg entered the final week of the season as the favorite to win Big Ten Player of the Year, and he likely locked up the award with a big-time performance against Iowa. The Michigan forward racked up 16 points and eight rebounds in the win, proving why he’s the Big Ten’s premier player. Lendeborg would be the sixth player in program history to receive the honor.

Aday Mara, Morez Johnson Jr. come up clutch in second half

Michigan needed somebody besides Lendeborg to come up clutch in the second half, and Mara and Johnson Jr. both contributed. Johnson Jr. posted 16 points and eight rebounds, scoring seven straight points in less than two minutes to help seize momentum. Meanwhile, Mara added 14 points, eight rebounds and three blocks, highlighted by a go-ahead layup in the final minutes.

Roddy Gayle Jr. steps up in L.J. Cason’s absence

Following a season-ending injury to guard L.J. Cason, the Wolverines knew they would need others to step up in his absence and Roddy Gayle Jr. did just that in the win. Gayle Jr. wasn’t overly impressive on offense – finishing with six points – but his defense was huge as he compiled three steals and one block, including a pair of game-sealing defensive plays in the final seconds.

Late-game execution must improve moving forward

Michigan was completely out of sync in crunch time, allowing Iowa to go on an 11-1 run and tie the game in the final minutes. The Wolverines went over four minutes without a field goal as Iowa stormed back from a double-digit deficit. When it mattered the most, Mara scored back-to-back buckets to secure a win, but the late-game execution must improve moving forward.

Up next

Michigan will wrap up the regular season, hosting the No. 8 Michigan State Spartans on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. on CBS.

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