If you’re checking your phone and wondering what was the score of the Michigan game today, you're likely looking for the results of the high-stakes late-night battle in the Pacific Northwest. After a brutal weekend loss that saw their undefeated streak snapped, the No. 4 Michigan Wolverines headed to Seattle to face the Washington Huskies.
They didn't just show up; they survived.
The final score was Michigan 82, Washington 72.
It wasn't always pretty. In fact, for the first few minutes, it looked like neither team had ever seen a hoop before. But Dusty May’s squad found their footing—and their big men—to secure a massive road win and move to 15-1 on the season.
Michigan vs. Washington: How the Score of the Michigan Game Today Was Settled
Heading into Alaska Airlines Arena, there was a lot of talk about how Michigan would respond after losing to Wisconsin. People were worried. Was the early-season magic fading? Honestly, the first half of this game didn't ease those fears immediately. The Wolverines started the game shooting 1-for-8. Both teams went a combined 0-for-17 from three-point range to start. It was clunky, gritty, and sort of stressful to watch if you’re a fan.
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But then, Aday Mara happened.
The 7-foot-3 junior center basically turned the paint into his personal playground. He finished with a season-high 20 points, shooting an absurd 10-of-11 from the field. When Michigan needed to stop the bleeding, they just threw it up to Mara.
Key Performers in the 82-72 Victory
While Mara was the focal point, he wasn't alone in the trenches. The frontcourt dominance was the story of the night.
- Morez Johnson Jr.: The sophomore forward was a monster on the glass, hauling in a career-best 16 rebounds to go along with 16 points.
- Yaxel Lendeborg: He chipped in 14 points and 7 rebounds, including a highlight-reel assist that set up a Mara slam dunk to effectively seal the game late in the second half.
- Roddy Gayle Jr.: Even when his shot wasn't falling, he managed the game well, helping spark a 12-0 run in the first half that gave Michigan the cushion they needed.
Washington didn't go quietly. They actually took a 3-0 lead early (their only lead of the night) and kept the game within 5 or 6 points for most of the second half. JJ Mandaquit led the Huskies with 15 points off the bench, and Hannes Steinbach was a problem inside with 11 points and 14 rebounds. But foul trouble eventually killed the Huskies' momentum. Both Steinbach and Franck Kepnang picked up four fouls midway through the second half, forcing them to play tentatively or sit on the bench while Mara and Johnson Jr. feasted.
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Why the Score of the Michigan Game Today Matters for the Big Ten Standings
This wasn't just another non-conference win; it was a crucial Big Ten road test. With this victory, Michigan moves to 5-1 in conference play. After the Wisconsin loss, there was a risk of a "hangover" effect. Losing two in a row can turn a dream season into a scramble for seeding very quickly.
Instead, Michigan proved they can win ugly. They shot a dismal 21.7% from three-point land (5-for-23). Usually, that’s a recipe for an upset. However, they dominated the paint 50-28. They out-rebounded a physical Washington team 42-40.
Basically, they leaned on their size when their skill was struggling.
What’s Next for the Wolverines?
The "what was the score of the Michigan game today" question is answered, but the road doesn't get any easier. The Wolverines stay on the West Coast for a quick turnaround.
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- Saturday, Jan 17: Michigan travels to Eugene to take on Oregon (1:00 PM PT).
- The Return to Crisler: They’ll eventually head back home for a rematch against Indiana.
If you’re looking for actionable takeaways from this game, keep an eye on the Mara-Johnson pairing. It’s the first time in weeks both bigs played elite basketball at the same time. If that chemistry sticks, Michigan is going to be a nightmare for anyone in the tournament.
For those following the women’s team, they are back in action tonight, January 15, against Illinois at Crisler Arena. Tip-off is at 7:00 PM.
Watch the Highlights: If you missed the live broadcast on BTN, the condensed highlights are already popping up on the MGoBlue YouTube channel and the Big Ten Network’s digital platforms. You’ll definitely want to see the two-play sequence with about four minutes left where Mara threw an over-the-head pass to Johnson for a layup—it was the moment the game finally felt out of reach for Washington.
Check the official Big Ten standings to see how this win keeps Michigan in the hunt for the top seed, as they are currently neck-and-neck with Michigan State and Wisconsin at the top of the conference.