Wolverines are on a 5-game winning streak.
The Michigan Wolverines, ranked No. 20 (19-5, 11-2 Big Ten), achieved their revenge by defeating the Purdue Boilermakers 75-73 in Ann Arbor.
Tuesday’s (Feb. 11) triumph marked the Wolverines’ 12th consecutive victory at Crisler Center and their fifth win in a row overall, additionally propelling them to the top position in the Big Ten.
Considering this, the Wolverines have seven games left, including Sunday’s (Feb. 16) away game in Columbus, where they will face the Ohio State Buckeyes at 1 p.m. in Value City Arena.
Competing against the Buckeyes in any athletic event is always significant, but this match holds special importance for one player who previously wore the scarlet and grey.
Following a two-year tenure with the Buckeyes basketball team, Wolverines guard Roddy Gayle, Jr. declared for the transfer portal at the conclusion of the 2023-24 season.
Following discussions with prospective candidates, Gayle, Jr. selected the players in maize who will face the Buckeyes in their sole encounter this season.
There has been considerable conjecture regarding his choice to depart from the Buckeyes to join the Wolverines, including a coaching shift, but the junior guard from Niagara Falls has pride to compete for.
Despite experiencing a fluctuating season with the Wolverines, Gayle’s position on the team remains significant.
In the last two games of the Wolverines’ five-game winning streak, Gayle was shifted to the bench to increase scoring with the second unit and display his skills.
Point guard Tre Donaldson along with twin towers Vladislav Goldin and Danny Wolf are all exceptional ball handlers.
Gayle is scoring an average of 10.9 points, grabbing 3.6 rebounds, and providing 2.8 assists since the change. Despite his averages of 13.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists as a starter being lower, his influence with the second unit has been unparalleled so far.
Certain experts claimed that his decrease in performance was a result of a right wrist injury he sustained in 2023. He continued to play despite the injury, which went undiagnosed until the season ended.
Numerous individuals cite that as the reason his towering jump shot appears faulty and why, when with the starting five, he’d turn into an offensive burden. Competing teams would underestimate him due to his shooting skills from long range.
Entering this season, Gayle began 21 of the Wolverine’s initial 22 matches while managing a knee contusion. He is 13 for 59 from beyond the arc (22%) and one for 18 (5.6%) from a greater distance in his previous 10 games.
His shooting skills are evident, having made 42.9% of his three-point attempts as a freshman. However, a wrist injury he dealt with during his sophomore year resulted in a disappointing 29 for 102 from beyond the arc (28.4%). This issue must be resolved if he hopes to play at a higher level and seek some redemption from the fans who previously supported him before his transfer to Michigan.
The Columbus supporters are unparalleled, but perhaps the boos within the venue he previously regarded as home may seek to share affection during this Valentine’s Day weekend with a possible Wolverines’ win.
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