Michigan Routs UCLA in Blowout Win

Wolverines move closer to No. 1 ranking after dominant second-half performance.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The No. 2 Michigan Wolverines cruised to an 86-56 victory over the UCLA Bruins on Saturday, putting the program in position to potentially be ranked No. 1 in the AP Top 25 poll for the first time since 2013. Yaxel Lendeborg led Michigan with 17 points and 8 rebounds, while Morez Johnson, LJ Cason, Nimari Burnett, and Aday Mara also contributed double-digit scoring efforts. The Wolverines pulled away in the second half, making 9 straight shots to turn a close game into a rout.

Why it matters

This win continues Michigan's impressive season and strengthens their case to be ranked No. 1 in the country, which would be the first time for the program since 2013. The Wolverines have bounced back remarkably from a 24-loss season just two years ago, with new coach Dusty May quickly rebuilding the roster into a national title contender.

The details

Michigan broke open a close game by going on a 9-0 run early in the second half, with Lendeborg hitting two 3-pointers during the stretch. The Wolverines then cruised the rest of the way, winning by 30 points. UCLA had kept the game close in the first half, trailing by just 2 points at the break, but couldn't keep up with Michigan's depth and talent in the second half.

  • The game was played on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
  • Michigan has now won 10 straight games.

The players

Yaxel Lendeborg

A key contributor for Michigan, scoring 17 points and grabbing 8 rebounds in the win.

Morez Johnson

Scored 15 points for the Wolverines in the blowout victory.

Trent Perry

Led UCLA with 14 points, scoring 11 in the first half.

Dusty May

In his second season as Michigan's head coach, he has quickly rebuilt the Wolverines into a national title contender.

Juwan Howard

The former Michigan head coach who led the team to a 24-loss season just two years ago.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to play with this kind of intensity and focus if we want to be the No. 1 team in the country.”

— Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan Forward (latimes.com)

“Michigan is clearly one of the best teams in the nation, and we just couldn't match their firepower today.”

— Trent Perry, UCLA Guard (latimes.com)

What’s next

Michigan will look to solidify their case for the No. 1 ranking when they face off against another top-10 opponent, No. 9 Kansas, in their next game.

The takeaway

Michigan's remarkable turnaround under new coach Dusty May has them on the verge of reaching the top of the national rankings for the first time in nearly a decade. Their dominant win over UCLA showcases the Wolverines' depth, talent, and potential to make a deep NCAA Tournament run.