Michigan Wins Final Non-Conference Game

by 1660 THE FAN Wire Services

Final Score: (23) Michigan 77, NC Central 57

Ann Arbor, MI (Sports Network) - Manny Harris posted a game-best 29 points with 16 rebounds as 23rd-ranked Michigan prolonged the misery of NC Central, 77-57, at Crisler Arena.

DeShawn Sims had 17 points with nine boards for the Wolverines (10-2), winners of five straight games. Laval Lucas-Perry added 10 points off the bench.

Nick Chasten led the way with 15 points for the Eagles (0-15), who look to post their first win of the season on Saturday at Miami-Florida. Bryan Ayala picked up 13 points and Jamar Briscoe had 11.

The Wolverines put the game out of reach by ripping off a 17-4 run to begin the second half.

Stu Douglass began the run with a bucket then Harris ended it with a deuce a little more than five minutes in for a 55-35 game.

The Eagles' final charge came immediately after, but their 16-4 run only got them within 59-51 with 9:11 remaining in regulation.

Harris scored eight points down the stretch to ensure Michigan pulled away for good thereafter.

Michigan rolled out to a 10-1 advantage less than two minutes into the contest, then saw the visitors creep back within four on a Briscoe jumper which capped an 8-3 run.

Lucas-Perry drained a three to give the Wolverines a seven-point edge on the next trip down court, spurring an 11-0 burst which ended on another trey by Lucas-Perry just before the midway point of the half.

NC Central's 13-4 run later in the half brought them within 32-25 with 4:07 remaining on Chasten's triple, then Tremain Holloway's jumper reduced the deficit to five before Harris's deuce put Michigan up 38-31 at the break.

Game Notes

It was the first-ever meeting between schools...NC Central's Stevy Worah-Ozimo recorded a game-high 18 rebounds, 12 on the defensive glass...Michigan hosts Wisconsin on Wednesday.