Michigan men’s basketball edged Oregon State 98-93 in an exhibition game on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, at Crisler Center. Elliot Cadeau scored 27 points, with 26 coming in the second half, while former Michigan assistant Justin Joyner coached the Beavers.
The scoreboard at Crisler Center told the story of an erratic preseason test on Oct. 16, 2026. Michigan survived 18 lead changes to defeat Oregon State 98-93 in a game where neither side held an advantage greater than six points throughout the entire second half. The defensive intensity flickered on and off, turning what could have been a comfortable evening into a frantic 40-minute scramble.
Elliot Cadeau and Trey McKenney Carry Michigan After Foul Trouble
Foul trouble dictated the first-half rotation for the backcourt. Elliot Cadeau sat restricted to just eight minutes before the break after picking up two quick fouls, while fellow guard Trey McKenney accumulated three fouls by the 8:02 mark.
That absence forced a complete offensive reset. While the starters watched from the bench, a reserve surge sparked a 13-0 run. Moustapha Thiam capped the spurt with a 3-pointer, giving the Wolverines a 37-25 lead. Oregon State answered with consecutive deep balls before halftime to narrow the gap to 45-42.
Michigan Basketball defeated Oregon State 98-93 in preseason play behind Elliot Cadeau’s game-high 27 points. Here’s the recap, highlights and stats. https://t.co/GiIiXWUE1n
Cadeau wiped out any offensive stagnation after intermission. He engineered 26 of his 27 total points in the second half, driving past taller defenders and picking apart the Beavers’ ball-screen coverage. He finished with eight assists in 26 minutes of floor time. McKenney added 18 points before fouling out late in the contest. Freshmen Gory and Smiley combined for 37 points, but Michigan did a good job containing everyone else. I really liked the minutes from Kenny Noland.
Cadeau, who was limited to eight minutes in the first half, noted that he was just taking what the defense gave him and trying to be aggressive after not playing much before the break. He felt it was definitely time for him to assert himself in the second half, adding that their ball-screen coverage gave him a lot of options and he wanted to be aggressive in the ball screens.
Moustapha Thiam and Oregon State Size Create Matchup Problems
Cincinnati transfer Moustapha Thiam anchored both ends of the floor for Michigan. He posted 19 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, mixing long-range shooting with interior playmaking. His highlights included a behind-the-back feed to McKenney for a layup and a three-quarter court outlet pass to Joseph Hartman in transition.
Across the floor, Oregon State brought imposing length to Ann Arbor. First-year head coach Justin Joyner deployed a roster featuring multiple seven-footers, including Peteris Pinnis at 7-foot-2, Dennis Evans at 7 feet, and Xavion Staton at 7-foot-1.
The Beavers shot 52.5% from the field and hit 10 shots from beyond the arc. Forward DeShawn Gory scored 20 points, while Legend Smiley added 17 points behind five made 3-pointers. Gory and Smiley combined for 23 points in the opening half alone to keep the visitors close. During the 2023-24 and 2024-25 campaigns, Joyner assisted Michigan in rebounding from an eight-win season to secure 27 victories, a Big Ten Tournament championship, and a Sweet 16 appearance. The visitors shot just 21 for 32 (65.6%) from the foul line.
Justin Joyner Returns to Crisler Center and Next Exhibition Details
Before the opening tip, Michigan head coach Mike Boynton Jr. presented Justin Joyner with a national championship ring at half-court. Joyner spent the previous two seasons as a Michigan assistant coach under Dusty May, helping the program compile a 64-13 record and capture the 2026 national title before taking the top job in Corvallis in March. Having last played in November 2025 at LSU—a period lasting 317 days—Jalen Reed also made his return to competitive action after recovering from an Achilles injury.
While Joyner adjusted to his new sideline, the Wolverines continued navigating roster absences. Roddy Gayle Jr. missed his second exhibition game as he awaits an amendment to his preliminary injunction in a lawsuit against the NCAA. Freshman Marcus Moller dressed and sat on the bench after returning home to Denmark for scans related to earlier treatment for testicular cancer.
Michigan wraps up its three-game exhibition schedule on Oct. 25, 2026, traveling west to face Houston at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids for The Battleground 2K26. The Wolverines then begin their regular-season schedule on Nov. 2, 2026, hosting Oakland at Crisler Center.
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