Michigan basketball is headed back to Detroit.
One year after traveling to Greensboro, North Carolina to take on Wake Forest in a “neutral site” game that was close to the Demon Deacons, the Wolverines will “host” the return trip at Little Caesars Arena.
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The date is set for Tuesday, Nov. 11, while a tipoff time has not yet been announced.
“After the thriller we had in Greensboro last season, we look forward to another chance to not only play a high-quality opponent early but to bring it to our backyard this time,” Michigan basketball coach Dusty May said in a statement. “Hosting in downtown Detroit at Little Caesars Arena is not only special for us, but it’s special for the community. We look forward to showcasing our program on a big stage and continuing to build momentum early in the season.”
Michigan guard Tre Donaldson battles for the ball during the 72-70 loss to Wake Forest on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024 in Greensboro, North Carolina.
The Wolverines had a tremendous first year under May, going 27-10 in 2024-25, going from worst to second in an expanded Big Ten conference, winning the Big Ten tournament and ultimately making it to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament.
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However, there were few losses that the Wolverines really felt like they should have back, and the 72-70 defeat to Wake Forest is certainly one of them.
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While the Deacons finished with a 21-11 record, it came in a watered down ACC conference. They did not qualify for the NCAA tournament and subsequently declined an invitation to the NIT.
To make matters worse, U-M led the game by as much as 13 points before Wake Forest mounted a comeback.
The lead had dwindled to four by the break and Wake Forest took its first lead of the game less than five minutes into the second half. Michigan then got up by four points once more, before it went five minutes without a point, fell behind by six and couldn’t mount a comeback.
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Roddy Gayle Jr. led all U-M scorers with 11, L.J. Cason had 10 and Nimari Burnett nine.
May’s first game as U-M coach actually came at LCA, when his team faced Oakland and legendary coach Greg Kampe to kickoff last season in an exhibition that ended as a 90-58 Michigan win.
The Wolverines’ last regular season game in Detroit was a barn burner. Former coach Juwan Howard led Michigan against Eastern Michigan and narrowly squeaked out an 88-83 victory in November 2022.
Hunter Dickinson’s 31 points were just enough to outlast Emoni Bates who scored what was at the time a career-high 30 points, putting on a show for many local fans.
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Tony Garcia is the Michigan Wolverines beat writer for the Detroit Free Press. Email him at apgarcia@freepress.com and follow him on X at @RealTonyGarcia.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan basketball to host Wake Forest at Little Caesars Arena
