No. 3 Michigan continues to roll with win at Indiana

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) — Franz Wagner matched his season high with 21 points and Isaiah Livers added 16 points and 10 rebounds to help No. 3 Michigan pull away for a 73-57 victory Saturday at Indiana.

The Wolverines (18-1, 13-1 Big Ten) took another major step toward the league title by winning their seventh straight, improving to 5-0 since resuming play following a COVID-19 pause, and capturing their third straight victory in Bloomington. They've won nine straight in the series since their last loss in February 2016.

Aljami Durham led Indiana (12-12, 7-10) with 15 points and Race Thompson finished with 11 points and six rebounds. The Hoosiers have lost three in a row and four of their last five as they fight for an NCAA Tournament spot.

It didn't take long for Michigan break it open.

Mike Smith started the decisive 10-0 spurt with a 3-pointer midway through the first half and capped it by making two free throws for a 32-21 lead. After the Hoosiers answered with five straight to cut the deficit to six, Michigan went on a 10-3 run for a 42-39 lead.

Indiana never recovered.

Livers opened the second half with three straight 3s and the Wolverines sealed the victory with an 8-0 spurt that made it 59-42 with 11:23 to play.

BIG PICTURE

Michigan: Everyone knows the Wolverines can score. But the most impressive takeaway from this victory was their defense. Michigan made Indiana uncomfortable while facing full-court pressure, stayed in front of the Hoosiers in half-court defense, and challenged shot after shot. It's no wonder the Wolverines seem destined for a top tourney seed.

Indiana: The Hoosiers trailed 22-21 with 8:36 to go in the first half — and then this one got away from them. Again. Indiana has shown plenty of promise with a sweep of Iowa and overtime losses to three ranked foes: Wisconsin, Florida State and Illinois. But with two games and the Big Ten Tournament left on the schedule, coach Archie Miller's squad needs to show everyone it can finish strong.

STAT PACK

Michigan: Smith had 14 points. ... Livers made four 3s and moved within 38 points of reaching 1,000 in his career. ... Hunter Dickinson had 13 points and seven rebounds after earning his school-record tying seventh Big Ten freshman of the week honor on Monday. ... The six seniors won their 100th career game, joining a club only 10 other players in school history achieved.

Indiana: Trayce Jackson-Davis had 10 points and six rebounds. ... Durham became the 53rd member of Indiana's 1,000-point club. He now has 1,010. ... Durham and Cooper Bybee received framed jerseys during a pregame ceremony to honor what could be their final home game. Their speeches will be recorded and posted online next week. ... Indiana shot 38% from the field and was outrebounded 37-27.

SITTING OUT

The Hoosiers played without guard Armaan Franklin, their second-leading scorer and top 3-point shooter. Franklin, a sophomore, injured his right foot in the first half and did not return in Wednesday's loss against Rutgers. It's unclear how much more time he'll miss. Jerome Hunter replaced Franklin in the starting lineup and finished with five points and six rebounds.

UP NEXT

Michigan: hosts No. 5 Illinois in Tuesday's big showdown, the first of three games next week.

Indiana: hopes to earn a split in the season series Tuesday at Michigan State.

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