Michigan Basketball Tops Purdue in Top-10 Showdown

Wolverines' frontcourt dominance proves decisive in Big Ten clash

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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In a highly anticipated matchup between the top-ranked Michigan Wolverines and No. 7 Purdue Boilermakers, the Wolverines emerged victorious with a 80-74 win in West Lafayette. Michigan's frontcourt duo of Yaxel Lendeborg and Morez Johnson Jr. led the way, with Lendeborg recording a double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Why it matters

This win solidifies Michigan's position atop the Big Ten standings and deals a significant blow to Purdue's conference title hopes. The Wolverines' ability to control the boards and make timely shots down the stretch proved to be the difference in a tightly contested game between two of the nation's elite teams.

The details

Michigan's frontcourt dominance was the key factor in the game, as the Wolverines outrebounded Purdue 42-35, including a 15-9 advantage on the offensive glass. Lendeborg and Johnson combined for 35 points and 17 rebounds, while 7-foot-3 center Aday Mara also made his presence felt with seven rebounds. Purdue's star point guard Braden Smith had a solid game with 14 points and 8 assists, but the Boilermakers struggled to contain Michigan's versatile defense, which forced 13 turnovers.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 6:30 PM ET in West Lafayette, Indiana.
  • This was the third top-10 matchup of the season for Michigan, who entered the game ranked No. 1 in the country.

The players

Yaxel Lendeborg

Michigan's leading rebounder, averaging 7.7 boards per game, who recorded a double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds in the win.

Morez Johnson Jr.

Michigan's consistent frontcourt presence, averaging 7.2 rebounds per game, who contributed 15 points and 7 rebounds in the victory.

Braden Smith

Purdue's star point guard, who led the Boilermakers with 14 points and 8 assists in the losing effort.

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What they’re saying

“Our front line has to keep showing up like they did [Saturday vs. Iowa], like they did against Nebraska. They were big time against Nebraska. You've got one guy getting 10 offensive rebounds, you've got one guy getting 16 defensive rebounds. That pays the bills.”

— Matt Painter, Purdue Head Coach (Freep.com)

“He's dangerous, he has solutions to every, every problem. You just hope maybe our size, strength, speed, athleticism will maybe slow those decisions down a quarter of a second − but we're not tricking Braden Smith.”

— Dusty May, Michigan Head Coach (Freep.com)

What’s next

With the win, Michigan has taken a commanding lead in the Big Ten standings and is in prime position to clinch at least a share of the conference title. Purdue, meanwhile, will need to regroup and try to make a late-season push to stay in the hunt.

The takeaway

Michigan's frontcourt dominance and ability to control the boards proved to be the difference in this top-10 showdown. The Wolverines' versatile defense and timely shooting down the stretch allowed them to fend off a tough Purdue squad and solidify their status as the team to beat in the Big Ten.