CBB: Minnesota beats Michigan 75-65 behind Jamison Battle

The Minnesota Golden Gophers (8-1) picked up an impressive road win over Big Ten opponent and the defending conference champions Michigan Wolverines (6-4) at Crisler Center on Saturday night. Michigan led 36-32 at halftime before Jamison Battle and Payton Willis took over after the break to secure a 75-65 win, Minnesota's first victory in Ann Arbor in 10 years. Battle scored a season-high 27 points and seven rebounds, including 21 in the second half, while Willis went for 17 points and five rebounds as Minnesota's multidimensional guards helped the team shoot 50.9% from the field and commit just four turnovers. Michigan shot 16.7% from 3-point range as Hunter Dickinson put up 19 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.

"For this group, we just try to focus on the day at hand and this is obviously a big one. On the road against a really good opponent. I have so much respect for Juwan Howard and the Michigan program. A tough place to play and my first time winning here so we're going to enjoy it," Minnesota first-year head coach Ben Johnson said in the postgame press conference. "I thought it was a total team effort and I couldn't be prouder of the guys I've got in my locker room. They showed toughness, resolve and aggressiveness." The Golden Gophers will look to build on the upset win with three straight non-conference home games before hosting Illinois in early January. Both teams are currently 1-1 in Big Ten play.

Photo Credit: Star Tribune.